With Ian Happ out of the starting lineup, Cubs manager David Ross explained what he liked about having Kyle Schwarber lead off Friday’s series opener against the Cardinals.
“All of the success he’s had in that spot,” Ross said. “No, I’m just kidding.”
Friday was Schwarber’s first time there this season, and entering the game against St. Louis, Schwarber was a career .215 hitter in the No. 1 spot. In 2017, Schwarber hit just .190 batting first, and then last year struggled to a .229 average in that slot.
After laughing at his joke, Ross then explained the decision.