Chicago Cubs Lineup (6/11/22): Morel Leads in CF, Gomes Catching, Swarmer Starting
Alanis Morrissette would have enjoyed last night’s game, what with Jason Heyward supplying the Cubs’ only offense immediately after the outcry over Clint Frazier being designated for assignment. How they managed to score just one run on a solo homer despite eight other hits, none of which came in four extra frames, is beyond me.
The Cubs have another chance to get a W in NYC behind rookie righty Matt Swarmer, who has been absolutely dominant in two starts so far. Between his massive leg lift and a wrist wrap reminiscent of Rick Sutcliffe, Swarmer is able to deceive hitters and get ugly swings. He throws the slider a little more than half the time, which works so well in part because it looks like the otherwise pedestrian 91 mph four-seam he throws over 40% of the time.
“It’s on the same plane as the fastball and then it kind of disappears,” David Ross explained recently. “You get real fastball swings from hitters. Not like, ‘Oh, there’s a slider,’ and I try to adjust my swing. They swing through it.”
Going for the Yankees is 29-year-old lefty Jordan Montgomery, who has just a 1-1 record despite pitching very well in 11 starts this season. He’s completed five or more innings in all two of those starts, so it’s not really a matter of fading early.
Not a big strikeout pitcher, Montgomery has a sinker that sits 92-93 mph and that he can locate incredibly well. He’s also got a change and curve, though the offspeed hasn’t been all that effective. He has faced only 33 left-handed batters out of 237 total, so it’s hard to tell much from his splits this season.
The real strength of Montgomery’s game that he walks very few batters while also limiting hard contact. He hasn’t issued multiple free passes since May 14 and has walked only two in the last 18.1 innings, so traffic is limited. He has also given up only six homers with no more than one in any game so far. Simply put, he doesn’t beat himself.
Christopher Morel is leading off in center, followed by Willson Contreras at DH and Patrick Wisdom at third. Frank Schwindel is at first, Ian Happ is in left, and Yan Gomes is the catcher. Nico Hoerner is at short, Andrelton Simmons is at second, and Jason Heyward is in left.
And yes, there is a southpaw on the mound. Alas. First pitch is at 6:15pm CT on FOX and Marquee Sports Network.
Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup against the Yankees. pic.twitter.com/oGemnQTmKi
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 11, 2022
