For the second straight game, Kyle Schwarber is not in the lineup and Albert Almora Jr. is handling leadoff duties. Unless Schwarber is dealing with a minor malady, Joe Maddon may be sticking with traditional logic despite today’s opposing pitcher posting pretty hefty reverse splits on the road this season. Oh well.
Javy Báez bats second at short, Kris Bryant is in left, Anthony Rizzo cleans up, and Addison Russell bats fifth at second base. Jason Heyward handles right, David Bote is at third, and Martín Maldonado is catching
Eric Lauer isn’t likely to be fazed by a raucous Wrigley crowd Friday afternoon because he pitched through a literal earthquake in his most recent start against the Dodgers.