Cubs Make Lineup Switch Before Thursday's Series Finale
Desperate to snap a losing skid, Craig Counsell stacks lefties and turns to hungry rookies to spark a stagnant offense before the North Siders face a potential sweep.
Video Transcript
What is up, Cubs fans?
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I'm Joey Polizzi, talking about all things Cubs.
And the Cubs are switching up their lineup just a little bit here before Thursday's series finale against the Athletics.
Their lineup will go with P.J.
Thames in the leadoff spot, Michael Conforto in right field in the two spot.
Three spot is Michael Busch.
Four spot, Alex Bregman.
Five spot, Ian Happ.
Six spot, Nico Hoerner at second base.
Seven spot, Moises Ballesteros behind the plate.
Eight spot, Pedro Ramirez at DH, and number nine spot, Dansby Swanson at shortstop.
So a little bit, some change here for the Cubs ahead of Thursday's series finale, where they're hoping to avoid being swept by the Athletics.
It's nice to see Conforto in the lineup.
He's been one of the most productive Cub hitters this season.
Hasn't got a lot of opportunities in recent weeks, so get him in the lineup, see what he can do, and go from there.
And it's nice to see also the rookies get some opportunities.
Moises Ballesteros drawing just a few starts again behind the plate, and Pedro Ramirez at the designated hitter spot.
Get the youngsters in the lineup, see if they can provide a boost, see what they can do because the regular Cub starters just aren't getting the job done right now.
And Nico Hoerner moving all the way down to the number six spot.
It's been no secret that Hoerner has struggled at the plate since May 1st, which happens to be right before he got hit in the head by a pitch against the Padres.
We broke that down here on Cubs Roundtable.
So could it have something to do with it?
I don't know, but Nico Hoerner moved down to the six spot, admitted struggles.
This is the first time all season Hoerner has hit lower than fifth in the batting order.
So Counsell moves his lineup around just a little bit.
It could work, it could not, but Counsell is at least trying to switch things around as the Cubs are just 5 and 18 in their last 23 games.
But let me know what you guys think about this new lineup.
Do you like it?
Do you not?
Let me know down below.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
