Chicago Cubs Lineup (4/29/21): Rizzo Leads Off, Javy Returns, Alzolay Starting

I normally like to take my time breaking these lineups down, but the Cubs have been exhausting this week and this will be shorter than usual. Anthony Rizzo is leading off, followed by Willson Contreras catching and Kris Bryant in left. Javy Báez returns after a brief hamstring scare, Jason Heyward is in right, Jake Marisnick is in center, and Nico Hoerner is at second.

That Ian Happ has become nigh unplayable is troubling, as is Duffy batting third. The latter has put together some solid plate appearances, it’s just that he’s not the ideal run-producer for the heart of the order.

Adbert Alzolay is going for his first win in his fourth start and the Cubs could sure use it as they close out this four-game set before heading to Cincy. Alzolay’s slider has been one of the best in MLB so far and he’ll showcase it tonight.

Opposing the Cubs is 23-year-old Bryse Wilson, who stifled the Cubs in the same game Kyle Hendricks pooped the bed on Sunday Night Baseball. The stout righty is making his third appearance of 2021 and he may be due for a bad game. His stuff isn’t particularly great and he doesn’t miss many bats, plus he’s allowed four homers in just nine innings.

Even a team struggling as badly as the Cubs may be able to get over on Wilson in this one.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup.#CubTogether pic.twitter.com/QZsZ9DHUB9

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 29, 2021