Chicago Cubs Lineup: Hammel Pitching as Cubs Get Closer to Division Title

This is exciting. The Chicago Cubs are mere days, or perhaps ‘day’, away from clinching the National League Central title. What’s more provocative is they may do it at Busch Stadium. To make that happen they’ll have to win today and tomorrow to complete the sweep in St. Louis, otherwise they will clinch at Wrigley Field.

Jason Hammel (14-8, 3.50 ERA) will take the ball for the Cubs today. He’s had three pretty bad starts in a row away from home so it’s anyone’s guess whether he’ll be able to turn that around today. If he does, he’ll also be trying to show Joe Maddon that he belongs on the postseason roster. At this point, it would seem like he’s the odd man out of the starting rotation when the playoff rosters get set. Of course, there’s always the chance that Joe adds him to the bullpen, but even that seems unlikely.

Tonight’s lineup is a feast full of regulars, clearly showing that Joe is serious about closing the division race up now.

Here’s tonight’s Chicago Cubs lineup: