CUBS LINEUP — This Cubs game will begin AFTER the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, but the lineup is out now. And it’s got some fun and potentially important surprises.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, LF
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Cody Bellinger, DH
- Isaac Paredes, 3B
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Miguel Amaya, C
Okay, the first and biggest news, of course, is the return of Cody Bellinger to the starting Cubs lineup, as well as the debut of newly acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes. Indeed, that should be the only big thing here. But I can’t help but notice that Ian Happ is leading off. Obviously he has done it before and he makes sense there. And also the arrival of Paredes maybe simply have changed the way Craig Counsell thinks about things. Maybe.
Buuuuuuuuut I can’t help be feel like that’s at least an implicit sign that the Cubs are at least considering a deal involving Nico Hoerner. That’s pure speculation and maybe a giant reach. I really don’t know. But that was my first reaction.
If it does wind up meaning nothing, I will say that I think it makes plenty of sense to lead off with Happ, even as he’s started to hit for more power this season. Paredes is a more consistent producer than Morel was and it’s not like the Cubs lineup had been clicking.
Cincinnati Reds Lineup:
- Jonathan India, 2B
- Elly De La Cruz, SS
- Spencer Steer, LF
- Tyler Stephenson, C
- Jeimer Candelario, 1B
- TJ Friedl, CF
- Stuart Fairchild, RF
- Noelvi Marte, 3B
- Santiago Espinal, DH
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Justin Steele, LHP
Justin Steele had a nice, long stretch going before the Diamondbacks tagged him for five runs in 4.2 innings a couple of starts ago. He did bounce back a bit against the Brewers, with just two earned runs over 5.1 IP, but he struck out only four batters and walked three. Not a typically dominant Steele performance. For what it’s worth, the Reds haven’t been particularly strong against left-handed pitching this season (91 wRC+, 23rd in MLB).
Cincinnati Reds: Tony Santillan, RHP
This game was supposed to be started by Reds righty Frankie Montas, but he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday. Instead, Tony Santillan will take the mound in what will ultimately be a bullpen game for Cincinnati.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (51-57) vs Cincinnati Reds (51-55) at 6:10 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Chicago Cubs:
- Ben Brown, SP
- Keegan Thompson, RP
- Luke Little, RP
- Hayden Wesneski, SP
- Caleb Kilian, SP
- Julian Merryweather, RP
- Adbert Alzolay, RP
- Jordan Wicks, SP
- Colten Brewer, RP
- Yency Almonte, RP
Cincinnati Reds:
- Matt McLain, 2B
- Luke Maile, C
- Graham Ashcraft, SP
- Brent Suter, RP
- Brandon Williamson, SP
- Tejay Antone, RP
- Ian Gibaut, RP
- Emilio Pagan, RP
- Nick Martini, OF/1B
- Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B
