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Later this afternoon (1:20 CT), the Cubs play their fourth game against the Cardinals since 4:15 p.m. Monday – this one, against their toughest pitcher, Jack Flaherty. Here’s how David Ross will line up his group with Alec Mills on the mound.
Chicago Cubs lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Jason Kipnis, 2B
8. Victor Caratini, DH
9. Nico Hoerner, 3B
It’s important not to say that while Jack Flaherty is the Cardinals’ staff ace, he hasn’t pitched since opening day. That kind of firing will probably do more harm than good, but you just can’t think of it that way against a pitcher with his tricks and talent.
With that out of the way, I’d like to highlight a few stories of one-on-one confrontations between Flaherty and the Cubs core:
A. Rizzo: 9-18, 2B, 3 HR, 3BB, 2K
K. Bryant: 2-18, 2B, 3BBs, 10Ks
W. Contreras: 4-19, HR, 8Ks
J. Baez: 1-12, 3B, BB, 7Ks
You’re obviously not happy that Kris Bryant is not only injured but struggling at home plate, but if there was one game to miss, it would be this one. Bryant has just 2 hits and 3 walks in 21 home plate appearances against Flaherty with 10 strikeouts. He’s got Bryant’s number.
Likewise, Contreras and Baez struck out a total of 15 in 32 home plate appearances against Flaherty, with just 5 hits and a walk under their belt. Both are in the lineup today, however. So we’ll just have to hope for better results and a bit of rust from Flaherty.
HOWEVER, look at Rizzo’s numbers! The Cubs first baseman cuts .500 / .591 / 1.056 against Flaherty, which equals 1.646 OPS… LOL. Hopefully he can stay warm and provide much of the attack today.
As for the roster itself, Happ remains in the lead, but Nico Hoerner comes to cover third place in place of David Bote (in place of Bryant). Hoerner’s contact bat will play much better than Bote’s swing and lack power, so all things considered, it’s a good shot. It’s great to have a guy like Hoerner around, who can play anywhere on the pitch at a high level anytime.
As usual, we’ll have your Pre-Gamin ‘post closer to playtime (1:20 CT).
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