Chicago Cubs Lineup (6/4/22, Game 1): Contreras Catching, Morel in Center, Swarmer on Mound

The Cubs are in the midst of a nine-game homestand over the course of just seven days and so far they’re 3-3. A win today would put them in position to walk away from the marathon week with a winning record, something that the team could build on given that the opponents have been the two teams above them in the standings.

This is the Cubs’ second doubleheader in six days. The first one against the Brewers saw the Cubs drop both games. Matt Swarmer (0-0, 1.50 ERA) will get his second career MLB start today. In his first start, game one of Monday’s doubleheader, he pitched well but sloppy defense by the Cubs allowed three unearned runs to score leading to a one-run loss.

Swarmer has two primary pitches in his arsenal, a low-90s fastball countered by a low-80s slider. He mixes in a changeup to keep batters off balance but doesn’t use the pitch consistently. Much like Kyle Hendricks, the key for Swarmer is going to be establishing his fastball location early. If he stays on the edges with the fastball he can lure batters into swing-and-miss with his slider.

Christopher Morel is in center, Willson Contreras is catching, Ian Happ is in left, and Frank Schwindel is at first. Patrick Wisdom is at third, Nico Hoerner is playing short, Rafael Ortega is in right, Clint Frazier is DH, and Nick Madrigal is at second.

First pitch for game one of the doubleheader is at 12:20pm CT. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (out-of-market), and 670 The Score.

Here is today's #Cubs Game 1 lineup. #LetsPlayTwo pic.twitter.com/ib3F7VmTmk

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 4, 2022