Chicago Cubs Lineup: Almora Leads Off, Russell Cleans Up, Lester Pitching

Well, this is an interesting one. Albert Almora Jr. has been slumping hard lately, so he gets the leadoff spot against a lefty. Javy Baez moves up to play and bat second, David Bote bats and plays third (#EveryBoteIn), and Addison Russell cleans up.

Huh.

Kyle Schwarber is in left, Willson Contreras is catching, Victor Caratini gives Anthony Rizzo a break at first, and Ian Happ spells Jason Heyward in right. Some of that is matchups, more is just giving regulars a break.

It’s a battle of lefties this afternoon as Jon Lester takes on Joey Lucchesi. The younger guy sounds like a character in a Mario Puzo book and he’s done a pretty good job of icing opponents so far in his rookie season.

Sorry for the lack of scouting report, but shuttling my son between basketball camp and a baseball game. Just know that it’s the last of a four-game set and Lester is looking to ensure the Cubs take three of them. He’s been working on some mechanical adjustments, so we’ll see if he’s able to settle in and find that comfort zone.

If the Cubs can whack Lucchesi, maybe they can make this one a little less of nail-biter than the last two. First pitch is at 1:20pm CT and can be seen on WGN.

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