After leaving Sunday night's game early because of an injury, Cubs shortstop Javier Báez is not in the lineup Monday night against Jake Arrieta and the Phillies.
Báez has started every game at shortstop this season, so it was probably just a matter of time before he got an off day. After departing last night's game with a heel contusion, the Cubs are most likely just playing it safe with their star infielder.
That means Addison Russell is starting at shortstop for the first time this year. With Yu Darvish making the start, Victor Caratini is catching, giving Willson Contreras a day off.
So, no Báez against Arrieta, who returns to Wrigley Field and will be starting against the Cubs for the first time in his career.
Tonight is also a matchup between Arrieta and Darvish, the two big free agent pitchers who the Cubs decided between last offseason.
So far this season, Arrieta is 4-4, with a 4.02 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. Darvish is coming off his best start with the Cubs, striking out 11 and walking none against the Reds in 5.1 innings. Darvish is 2-3, with a 5.14 ERA and 1.62 WHIP.
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