Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/5/22): Hoerner Hitting Second Playing Short, Hendricks on Hill

The Chicago Cubs have been playing markedly better lately but are still just treading water when it comes to the standings. That may be because they continue to lose close games while showing an uncanny inability to drive in the free runners in extra innings. In fact, the Cubs have lost their last two games, both extra-inning affairs where they couldn’t score a single run.

Kyle Hendricks (4-6, 4.76 ERA) is on the hill tonight for the Cubs and he’s up against RHP Jason Alexander (2-0, 3.82 ERA). Hendricks has recorded a quality start in each of his last two outings, giving up just two runs over 13.1 innings while striking out 13 batters. And while he’s been very inconsistent over the season, Hendricks may well be on track to turn things around if he can put together a solid outing tonight.

Rafael Ortega will lead off tonight as DH, Nico Hoerner has been the hottest hitter for the Cubs this season and he’ll be batting second for the first time this season playing short. Ian Happ is in left, Seiya Suzuki is in right, Patrick Wisdom is at third, and Alfonso Rivas is at first. Yan Gomes is catching, Nelson Velázquez is in center, and David Bote is at second.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm CT tonight from Milwaukee. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/QtDM8U3mLl

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 5, 2022