Chicago Cubs Lineup: Contreras Catching for Lester, La Stella at 2nd Batting Lead-off

The Chicago Cubs (52-34) are looking to try and scrap out a win tonight as Jon Lester (9-4, 2.67 ERA) takes the ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates (45-42). Lester has been the best Cubs pitcher as of late and has the second best ERA on the team behind….Kyle Hendricks. Yes, Hendricks leads all Cubs starters with the best ERA on the team, a sparkling 2.55.

Tommy La Stella is back in the lead-off spot. He had no success there on Thursday so hopefully he can be a catalyst tonight for a Cubs offense that has really struggled to drive in base runners lately.

Willson Contreras is in tonight at catcher, covering for David Ross, who’s on the 7 DL concussion DL. It’s rare for another catcher to be behind the plate with Lester on the hill. It’s going to be interesting to see how smoothly things go and if the two have any issues calling the game. I certainly wouldn’t expect there to be issues, particularly based on what we’ve seen so far this season from Contreras. They guy is as steady as they come.

Saturday 7/9 7:15pm
Jon Lester (L)
@ Pirates – Chad Kuhl (R)
1. Tommy La Stella (L) 2B
2. Kris Bryant (R) LF
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Ben Zobrist (S) RF
5. Willson Contreras (R) C
6. Jason Heyward (L) CF
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. Javier Baez (R) 3B
9. Jon Lester (L) P