Chicago Cubs Lineup: Bryant in Right, La Stella at Third, Baez at Shortstop (GAME DELAYED)
Update: We just got word that the game tonight is officially delayed. There’s no further information available but we’ll update you once we hear more.
If ever there was a day the Cubs could choose to have off, today would likely be that day. After an 18 inning, six hour affair in Chicago last night, the Cubs hopped on a plane and landed in Denver early this morning. With a depleted bullpen and a three-game series coming up in the Mile-High City, it’s possible that things could get worse before they get better for the Cubs.
As I write this, there is a tornado warning in the Denver area, along with a severe thunderstorm warning. Thunderstorms are forecasted through the evening so it’s quite possible this game either gets delayed or postponed. For the Cubs’ sake, I really hope they don’t make them wait it out only to have to play another game late into the evening. We’ll see and we’ll keep you posted so be sure to check back right here.
If the game does get underway, Jake Arrieta, who pinch-hit in Sunday night’s game, will take the mound for the Cubs. Arrieta is 4-1 with a 4.63 ERA so far this season. He recorded a quality start in his last outing against the Phillies — his third of the year — to get the win this past Wednesday.
Anthony Rizzo, who got hit in the forearm by a 100 MPH Aroldis Chapman fastball on Sunday night, is back in the starting lineup tonight. He received an X-ray during the game and, thankfully, it came back negative. He stayed in and ended up going 1-for-5 with three walks.
Joe Maddon is playing Kris Bryant in right field tonight in place of Jason Heyward, who’s been held out of the starting lineup for the last three games with a knuckle injury. It’s thought that the injury isn’t serious, although Heyward was the only Cubs player who didn’t get into the marathon game Sunday. We’ll update you if we find out any more information on Heyward.
Here is tonight’s #Cubs lineup for the opener in Colorado.
Game preview: https://t.co/ea5vFRMi8a pic.twitter.com/XBB3P10981
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 8, 2017