But again, it was never a guarantee that Happ, who is a switch-hitter, would be in the leadoff spot every game. Add in Albert Almora Jr.'s numbers against lefties and the absence of Happ isn't really a big deal.
The other change from Game 1 to 2, is Ben Zobrist in right field replacing Jason Heyward. I know, it's the second game of the season, but could this be the start of the platoon most Cubs fans have been asking for? Sitting Heyward against lefties isn't anything new for Maddon, but that's been done late in the season during the past two years. It's game 2 of 162 and Heyward is already sitting here in 2018. Heyward did go 1-for-3, with a walk in the opener and made a great play on defense as well.
Still has value no matter what happens at the plate. The other interesting dynamic with the possible platoon is that Kyle Schwarber remains in left field against a lefty pitcher. But you know, when you do this you gotta keep that bat in the lineup.Jason Heyward playing a lot in right field is good the #Cubs. Deal with it. pic.twitter.com/y4Zsl7mx5A
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 29, 2018
So, we'll see what happens going forward, but once again it's a reminder that changes will happen daily and that's worked out pretty well for the Cubs in the past three years. One last note, Kyle Hendricks is making his 100th career start tonight and you know how Jake Arrieta had his dominant run with the Cubs? The professor might just pass him. Hendricks is currently second behind some guy named Clayton Kershaw in career ERA with at least 75 starts.
Is that good? I think that's pretty good.
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