Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/30/21): Arrieta Returns, Alcántara at Short, Wisdom at First, Duffy at Third

In case you missed it, the Cubs have traded the heart and soul of their team over the past 24 hours. Gone are Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo. Shocking, sad, and inevitable are words that all come to mind. But the games go on.

Jake Arrieta has been a hot mess in his most recent outings but he’s back in the lineup after an extended stay of the 10-day IL. The good news, if there is any, is the Cubs are playing a likewise depleted team in the Washington Nationals. So, maybe there’s a chance?

In any case, it will be interesting to see the energy level of the team as they take the field in Washington DC tonight following the massive trades that happened over the last day.

Rafael Ortega leads off tonight playing center, followed by Willson Contreras catching, Ian Happ in left, and Patrick Wisdom playing first base, which is where I would expect to see him for the remainder of this season. David Bote is at second batting fifth, followed by struggling Jason Heyward in right, Matt Duffy at third, and Sergio Alcántara at short.

First pitch is at 6:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/wVSUC1i4gi

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 30, 2021