This Is By Far The Weirdest Lineup Decision For The Cubs In 2020

There's a good chance you have no clue who the starting second baseman even is for the Cubs tonight against Trevor Bauer and the Reds.

The Cubs picked up infielder Ildemaro Vargas off waivers from the Twins a few days ago and added him to the 28-man roster. He still hasn't made his Cubs debut, but we're going to see him tonight, as Vargas is starting at second and batting ninth.

The 29-year-old has a career slash line of .255/.284/.385, in 136 games with the Diamondbacks and Twins. So yeah, not exactly a threat at the plate despite some good numbers in Triple-A, but seeing him in the lineup against Bauer really makes you wonder what went into this decision.

As a switch-hitter, Vargas has a .251/.281/.342, slash line against right-handed pitchers during his MLB career. So, it's a head-scratcher to have him start and especially against one of the best pitchers in baseball right now.

Second, we all know Nico Hoerner has struggled this season, but if you're picking between two bad hitters, why not just go with the guy who you expect to be part of your core for several years instead of the guy you just picked up off waivers? Like how does Hoerner get better by not taking these at-bats against good pitching?

And again, you can't say this the Cubs just trying to maximize their chances of winning because we're talking about Ildemaro Vargas who isn't better than Nico Hoerner.

What is going on!

But at least Jason Heyward is back in the lineup. That's great to see after he went to the hospital Sunday night and was out the last two games. As for Kris Bryant, he took a pitch directly off his left elbow last night.

Probably should have stayed with the elbow protector.