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If you feel like it’s been forever since the Cubs’ last game, you’re not alone. The Cubs’ first-half final against the Cardinals was postponed Sunday, leaving us five full days without a game. And since tonight’s game doesn’t start until 8:40 p.m. CT, it’s been almost six full days! How’s it going, MLB?
Either way, Madison Bumgarner starts for the Diamondbacks tonight after a shoulder injury that has kept her out since mid-June. Here is the line-up of David Ross against the left-hander, his first of the second half.
Composition of the Chicago Cubs:
1. Willson Contreras, C.
2. Kris Bryant, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Javy Baez, SS
5. Jake Marisnick, CF.
6. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
7. Nico Hoerner, 2B
8. Ian Happ, LF
9. Kyle Hendricks, P
Although their usual leader Joc Pederson has been traded, the Cubs have yet to answer that particular question. As I mentioned, Bumgarner is a southpaw, and Willson Contreras leads the Cubs games against lefties (which is exactly where he is tonight). Meanwhile, Ian Happ takes control of left field, where I suspect we’ll see him a lot over the rest of the season. Hopefully he used the All-Star break to clear his head and figure out what worked so well for him last year and what doesn’t this season.
In center field you’ll find Jake Marisnick, who will still shoot left-handed starts, yes, but can get more center starts just in general with Pederson gone. And with a left-hander on the mound, it’s Kris Bryant in right field, not Jason Heyward. That leaves third base open for Patrick Wisdom.
Other than that, you’ll find your normal starters at second, first, and shortstop, with Kyle Hendricks on the mound.
As usual, we’ll have your full pre-game post closer to playtime (8:40 am CT).
Madison Bumgarner:
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