Chicago Cubs Lineup: A Few New Starters…If They Get Game In (Which They Won’t)
Update: Welp, nature really is a mother. Wednesday’s game has been postponed due to inclement weather and they’ll try again tomorrow at the same time.
Due to the threat of severe weather, today's game against the @Cubs has postponed until tomorrow at 12:45 PM. Gates will open at 11:15 AM.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 5, 2017
Assuming everything remains the same, see below for how the lineup should look.
The forecast for The Lou calls for thunderstorms rolling in around 1pm, and no, I’m not talking about the Cubs bats teeing off on Lance Lynn. The big righty has a tough task ahead of him as he’s scheduled to make his first regular-season appearance since October 4, 2015 after missing last year rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
The Cubs have fared relatively well against Lynn in 15 previous matchups, though this particular lineup doesn’t have much experience against him. Even so, you’ve got to figure the top of the order is raring to get off the schneid. It’s a small sample, but the Cubs’ first four batters this afternoon are only 3-for-25 (.120) on the young season.
Kyle Schwarber and his 1.000 leadoff OBP will once again serving as the offensive catalyst, while Kris Bryant (0-for-9 with 4 strikeouts) looks to break loose behind him. Anthony Rizzo appears to be just missing really solid contact, which could easily change given that he’s got a career mark of .345 with a pair of home runs in 29 at-bats against Lynn.
Ben Zobrist is back in the cleanup spot and making his first start at second base, with Addison Russell and Jason Heyward following him. Miguel Montero makes his first appearance behind the plate and Jon Jay rounds out the order getting his first action in center. Not the best possible setup, but Joe Maddon needs to rotate all these guys in there and get them some time early.
John Lackey takes the bump in his old stomping grounds — a term I use quite literally for the crusty Texan — as he kicks off what may or may not be his final season. Lackey, who looked really sharp in an early start in St. Louis last season, has a career 2.02 ERA and 1.110 WHIP in just over 169 innings pitched at Busch Stadium. Nice.
Weather permitting, first pitch is scheduled for 12:45 CT and the game will be aired on WGN-TV (check here for your local affiliates) and MLB Network, while 670 The Score has the radio call.