Chicago Cubs Lineup (Game 2): Almora Leads Off, Javy at SS, Hamels Pitching

Update: Thank God. Contrary to the Cubs’ initial release, the lineup actually features Javy Baez playing short and batting cleanup with David Bote at second base batting sixth. My blood pressure just dropped appreciably.


Albert Almora Jr. leads off in center, Kris Bryant is second at third, Anthony Rizzo is at first, and David Bote cleans up at short. Huh, okay. Kyle Schwarber is in left, Javy Baez is at second, Victor Caratini catches, and Ian Happ bats ninth in right.

Well, that is something. Can anyone else explain why in the blue hell Bote is at short with Javy at second in a big game down the stretch? Anyone? Whatever the answers, the hope is that the Cubs and Nats can actually play this one despite rain was coming down pretty hard during the first game.

Cole Hamels gets the start in the second game of Saturday’s twin bill coming off of what could be called his “worst” start as a Cub. That’s really saying something when he gave up only two runs over six innings. His best start (according to game score) actually came against Washington back on August 12, so maybe we’ll get a repeat.

Jefry Rodriguez will be starting for just the eighth time in his career, and his performance to this point spells good things for the Cubs. Rodriguez has walked 27 men against 28 strikeouts, an almost Chatwoodian ratio. I’ll forego further scouting info in the interest of time, but suffice to say the Cubs should be able to beat this young pitcher.

The game will get going at 7:45pm CT on WGN and 670 The Score.

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