Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/30/24): Happ Leads Off, Bellinger DH, Parades at 3B, Steele Starting Deadline Day

Craig Counsell actually got his lineup out prior to the trade deadline, which is honestly a little surprising to me. It’s also mildly interesting that the man who had been the everyday leadoff hitter is down in the six-hole. As exciting as this time of year is for various reasons, I’m always glad when it’s over.

I still think it was weird to have Jameson Taillon start last night, but I feel safer that Justin Steele will take the bump tonight sans drama. We should all feel safer that he’ll have a better performance than the one we witnessed last night, not that it’ll matter if the offense disappears again.

Ian Happ is leading off in left, followed by Michael Busch at first and Seiya Suzuki in right. Cody Bellinger returns as the DH, and Isaac Paredes makes his Cubs debut at third. Nico Hoerner is at second, Dansby Swanson is the shortstop, Pete Crow-Armstrong is in center, and Miguel Amaya is catching.

The Reds have yet to name a starter as of the time I’m writing because they traded Frankie Montas to the Brewers last night. There’s a good chance anyone they use to fill the spot will put up a career game, so I’m just thankful they did me the favor of not having to do any research here. I mean, I could wait until they’ve officially named a starter, but ain’t nobody got time for that.

First pitch is at 6:10pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Here is tonight’s #Cubs starting lineup against the Reds.

Tune in: https://t.co/Gs2hZXyTjH pic.twitter.com/9IdLbIWTLT

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 30, 2024