Chicago Cubs Lineup: Top Three Unchanged, Zobrist Returns, Arrieta Tries to Play Stopper

Jake Arrieta has been more sieve than stopper so far, but he’ll need to step up if the Cubs are going to avoid a sweep in Cincy. Yes, it’s come to this.

Jon Jay is starting in left and leading off yet again, with Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo to follow. After entering as a pinch hitter last night, Ben Zobrist will start in right and clean things up. His health will be key to a second-half improvement.

That bumps Willson Contreras to fifth and Ian Happ, who’s starting in center, to sixth. Addison Russell and Javy Baez hold down the middle of the infield and the bottom of the order.

This may be the last we see of this particular setup, as Jason Heyward is nearing a return. There’s also the possibility of a Kyle Schwarber recall, given how he’s hitting for Iowa.

Trying to complete the Reds sweep will be righty Tim Adleman and his 4.62 ERA. Which may be 3-point-something by the end of the game if trends hold.

First pitch is 12:10 CT on WGN.

Ben Zobrist returns to the starting lineup today against the #Reds.

Game preview: https://t.co/WJM15R0IVz pic.twitter.com/11hpOWQYz1

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 2, 2017