( UPDATE: See listed below. Happ is now in CF, which was apparently the initial plan) Theres one huge piece of fallout, however: With Caratini taking over as designated hitter, Kyle Schwarber is still in left field, which has actually pressed Ian Happ to the bench, as Albert Almora Jr. mans. This isnt a routine season game, so I wont check out excessive into it, but this is pretty clearly a group of beginners and there are just two Summer Camp games left. Its all the complete stranger with a righty, Drew Anderson, taking the mound for the White Sox (Almora is traditionally much weaker versus RHP). Once again, I do not wish to look too far into it today– it could legitimately suggest nothing– however it certainly stands apart, provided our expectations for center field and the way Happ ended up last season and produced in the Spring.
Well have a full Pre-Gamin post closer to game time (7:05 CT). Its good to be back.
UPDATE: Gordon Wittenmyer describes that Ian Happ was initially slated to play center field today, but was not in the preliminary lineup due to the fact that of an “early-day concern of his accessibility,” which might indicate his test outcomes were not in yet (an all too common event these past two weeks). In any case, this validates our earlier concerns of why Almora would be in this lineup, against a righty, with just three total exhibit video games before the routine season. Ian Happ is likely the nominal starter in center field, and now that hes “readily available,” hes back in there instead of Almora.
Ian Happ is going to start in CF tonight, in fact. pic.twitter.com/amQKSXYiQt.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 19, 2020.
Small modification: Happ (who was originally in lineup, then not) will remain in CF batting ninth rather of Almora. Everyone healthy/fine; just an early-day concern of his accessibility.
FWIW: today is another set up testing/results day. https://t.co/gLsnk2s2ti.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) July 19, 2020.
The Chicago Cubs are not playing a routine season baseball video game tonight at Wrigley Field, however theyre also not scrimmaging themselves, so I will TAKE IT, PLEASE AND THANKS.
Here is the very first legitimate Cubs lineup weve seen because March 11th. Im giddy.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:.
1. Kris Bryant, 3B2. Jason Kipnis, DH3. Javy Baez, SS4. Kyle Schwarber, LF5. Willson Contreras, C6. Jason Heyward, RF7. Victor Caratini, 1B8. Nico Hoerner, 2B9. Albert Almora Jr., CF Ian Happ, CF.
This is actually a really telling quite, all things considered. Happ is now in CF, which was apparently the initial strategy) Theres one big piece of fallout, nevertheless: With Caratini taking over as designated hitter, Kyle Schwarber is still in left field, which has pressed Ian Happ to the bench, as Albert Almora Jr. mans. Once again, I do not want to look too far into it right now– it could legitimately mean absolutely nothing– however it certainly stands out, provided our expectations for center field and the way Happ completed last season and produced in the Spring.
UPDATE: Gordon Wittenmyer describes that Ian Happ was initially slated to play center field today, however was not in the preliminary lineup since of an “early-day concern of his availability,” which might imply his test results were not in yet (an all too typical incident these past 2 weeks). Ian Happ is really likely the small starter in center field, and now that hes “available,” hes back in there instead of Almora.
Albert Almora Jr., CF Ian Happ, CF.
This is really a pretty telling lineup, all things considered. As we understand, Manager David Ross is still pondering his playing time split at 2nd base for 2020, choosing between the veteran Jason Kipnis and the novice Nico Hoerner. And in his first real exhibition lineup of summer camp, he discovered a way to get both in there versus the White Sox.
Hoerner, whos got the better glove, takes the position on the field, while Kipnis, whos most likely got the better bat (at least against righties in the near-term) takes Anthony Rizzos spot as the first lefty in the lineup behind leadoff guy Kris Bryant. Victor Caratini, meanwhile, covers Rizzos area in the beginning base, and everyone else falls in line.
