I was so excited that Jason Heyward was no longer leading off that I completely missed that not only is Anthony Rizzo still out because of his back, but Kris Bryant is getting Friday off too against the Brewers.
Heyward isn't in the lineup at all, as Ian Happ gets the start in center and will bat first. Victor Caratini, fresh off his two-homer game against Jacob deGrom, is at first base again and hitting third. Meanwhile, David Bote is filling in for Bryant at third base.
Jose Quintana, who's been great against the Brewers in his career, makes the start for the Cubs today.
In 24 starts and 26 total appearances this year, Chase Anderson has actually been way better against left-handed hitters. Righties have a .914 OPS against him compared to only .569 from lefties.
Given the circumstance of Rizzo being hurt but still on the 25-man roster, this has to be the first time that he and Bryant aren't in the lineup before the Cubs have clinched a postseason berth.
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