Chicago Cubs Lineup: Cubs Look to Shred Sale Behind Lackey

John Lackey (7-7, 3.79) is long overdue for a solid, bounce-back game. It’s been since June 8 since he’s had a win (I’m tired of writing that, in case you’re wondering) and that’s directly attributable to his lack of control early in games. He’s given up three or more runs in the first four innings of his last four games. He’ll need to be better than that tonight for the Chicago Cubs (60-40) if he’s going to out-pitch Chris Sale.

If the Cubs are going to break out of their recent offensive funk they should look at last night’s game as a script to do it. They got back to their home run hitting ways and Addison Russell hit a grand slam to top things off.

Javier Baez also contributed with a booming home run of his own last night. He’s back in at second base tonight for the fourth straight game. That puts Ben Zobrist in right field as he fills in for Jason Heyward, who’s sitting with the night off.

Matt Sczcur will get the start in left field tonight with Kris Bryant at third and Willson Contreras behind the plate. Willson had two straight games off after starting 28 straight games. He’ll be looking to add to his current streak of 18 consecutive games reaching base safely.

Thursday 7/28 7:05pm CSN
John Lackey (R)
vs. White Sox – Chris Sale (L)
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Ben Zobrist (S) RF
5. Willson Contreras (R) C
6. Addison Russell (R) SS
7. Javier Baez (R) 2B
8. Matt Szczur (R) LF
9. John Lackey (R) P