Chicago Cubs Lineup: Lester Looks for Win in Rubber Match, La Stella Batting Lead-off

Jon Lester (10-4, 2.89 ERA) will take the hill for the Chicago Cubs (58-38) today as they try to prevent what would be a somewhat unforeseen series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers (41-54). Lester was solid in his last outing against the Mets giving up one run on four hits over 7 2/3 innings. Prior to that, it had been June 18 since Jon’s last win. It’d be nice to get a shut down performance from him today.

Dexter Fowler will get the day off today. We haven’t heard anything to make us concerned so the assumption here is that Joe Maddon is simply giving Dexter a day off in the midst of a stretch of 13 consecutive games.

Tommy La Stella will bat lead-off in place of Fowler. It seems like Joe likes Tommy in the lead off spot, particularly since it gives him more flexibility with Ben Zobrist. He’s hitting in the clean-up spot as protection for Anthony Rizzo. Although he’s batting a mere .222/.263/.333  with a 58 wRC+ from the fourth spot in the lineup. Compare that to when he’s batting fifth, where he’s hitting .309/.420/.518 with a 150 wRC+.

Speaking of Ben, he’s in right field today sharing the outfield with Willson Contreras in left and Jason Heyward in center.

Sunday 7/24 1:10pm ABC 7
Jon Lester (L)
@ Brewers – Junior Guerra (R)
1. Tommy La Stella (L) 2B
2. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Ben Zobrist (S) RF
5. Willson Contreras (R) LF
6. Jason Heyward (L) CF
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. David Ross (R) C
9. Jon Lester (L) P