Chicago Cubs Lineup

Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/28/23): Hoerner Leads Off, Mancini at 1B, Wesneski Starting

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanJuly 28, 2023

The Cubs buried the White Sox earlier in the week, after which the South Siders started trading away all their pitchers. St. Louis might be in similar sell mode shortly, particularly after Thursday’s debacle that saw them blown out following Miles Mikolas’s temper tantrum. They talk about pitchers changing jerseys during really hot and humid games, but it’s not often you see one who needs his diaper changed.

Speaking of pitchers, David Ross is going with Hayden Wesneski as his starter in this one. The righty was recalled to take the bump and Michael Rucker was optioned back to Iowa to make room. Wesneski hasn’t been great in his MLB time this season, but he should be an improvement over Drew Smyly’s recent performance.

It may not matter if the offense can keep putting up big numbers. Nico Hoerner will lead off at second, followed by Seiya Suzuki in right and Ian Happ in left. Cody Bellinger bats cleanup and plays center, Dansby Swanson is at short, Yan Gomes is the DH, and Trey Mancini is at first. Patrick Wisdom is playing third after being kind of a forgotten man for a while and Miguel Amaya is the catcher.

They’ll be facing Jordan Montgomery, who is expected to be in a different uniform by next week and who gave up seven runs (five earned) in his last start at Wrigley. The big southpaw typically gets a lot of grounders, but the Cubs were able to elevate the ball against him the last time en route to six hits over as many innings.

Even though left-handed batters carry a much better average against Montgomery, he hasn’t walked any of the 73 he’s faced this season. That means right-handed batters have a much higher OBP and they slug better as well. That’s a good combination for a Cubs team that thrives on singles and has been driving the ball out of the park lately. I’m in favor of another laugher, how about you?

First pitch is 7:15pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanJuly 28, 2023
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