Chicago Cubs Lineup (5/11/22): Keegan Thompson Gets His First Start of the Season

Keegan Thompson has been the Cubs most consistent pitcher, albeit from the bullpen. The 27-year-old righty has recorded an impressive 1.17 ERA over 23 innings.

Today, with Marcus Stroman still on the IL, Thompson will get his first start of the season. It’s something you probably could’ve predicted happening sooner or later, given that Thompson had six starts last season for the Cubs and he’s been developed and used as a starter most of his time in the minors. Perhaps the most unpredictable part of this is how it’s all transpired, with an apparent COVID outbreak on the team and lots of related shuffling happening between Chicago and Iowa.

Rafael Ortega finds himself in a familiar spot today, batting leadoff and playing right. He went 2-for-4, scored a run, and stole a base from the top of the order last night, so perhaps that’s the start of something bigger for him. Willson Contreras bats second and he’s catching today, followed by Ian Happ in left, Patrick Wisdom at third, and Alfonso Rivas playing first.

Nico Hoerner has been one of the best bats for the Cubs so far this season, slashing .274/.296/.400, and his .302 xBA is the highest on the team. Hoerner is hitting sixth in the order playing short, followed by Frank Schwindel — whose luck may be running out soon if he doesn’t start to produce — at DH, Jason Heyward in center, and Jonathan Villar at second.

First pitch is set for 3:10pm CT and the game can be watched or listened to on Marquee Sports Network or 670 The Score.

Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/HO0pH9WLlG

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 11, 2022