Chicago Cubs Lineup: Cubs, Lackey Go For Two in a Row Over Milwaukee

There’s a redeeming virtue inherent in consistency when it comes to baseball. Like the consistency of a regular lineup, night in and night out. And particularly the consistency of having a rock solid lead-off man in place every game, kind of like Dexter Fowler. He went 3-for-4, scored 2 runs and drove in 3 runs last night – his first appearance since injuring his hamstring on June 18.

Dex is again in the lead-off position for the Chicago Cubs (58-37) as they battle the Milwaukee Brewers (40-54) tonight at Miller Park. With Fowler in the lead-off spot things are starting to feel like they’re back to normal again. And why wouldn’t they? The Cubs are 44-18 – .710 win percentage – when he’s in the starting lineup, compared to 14-19 – .424 win percentage – when he’s not in the lineup.

John Lackey (7-6, 3.75 ERA) is on the mound tonight and will be looking to get back on track. He hasn’t registered a win since June 8 against the Phillies.

Javier Baez is in at second base tonight, as Joe Maddon will work to keep his playing time up after Fowler’s return. That gives Ben Zobrist time to rest today, which is something Joe spoke about doing more of as the season rolls on.

Saturday 7/23 6:10pm WGN
John Lackey (R)
@ Brewers – Zach Davies (R)
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Ben Zobrist (S) LF
5. Willson Contreras (R) C
6. Jason Heyward (L) RF
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. Javier Baez (R) 2B
9. John Lackey (R) P