Cubs make lineup adjustments
The Chicago Cubs have announced a lineup change involving outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong ahead of their Wednesday afternoon game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This adjustment comes as the Cubs aim for a series sweep, having already defeated the Dodgers 10-5 on Monday and 5-1 on Tuesday.
Manager Craig Counsell decided to move Crow-Armstrong into the designated hitter role for the game at Wrigley Field, providing him a break from defensive duties. Despite the change in fielding position, Crow-Armstrong will continue to bat leadoff. This decision is seen as a way to give Crow-Armstrong a rest from covering ground in center field, especially with the Cubs scheduled to start a series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
In other lineup changes, Tyron Taylor, a recent acquisition, is set to start in center field. Ian Happ will play in left field, and Seiya Suzuki will be in right. Alex Bregman, who served as the designated hitter in the previous two games, will return to third base for Wednesday’s matchup.
Pitching matchup and team performance
Wednesday’s game will feature Eric Lauer on the mound for the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga pitching for the Cubs. The Dodgers are looking to end a five-game losing streak, bringing a 69-45 overall record and a 36-22 road record into the game. Their collective team ERA in MLB play stands at 3.71, ranking sixth in the league.
The Cubs hold a 65-49 overall record and are 33-24 in home games. Their hitters collectively bat .248, placing them eighth in the National League. This will be the sixth meeting between the two teams this season, with the Cubs currently leading the season series 3-2.
In their last 10 games, the Cubs have a 6-4 record, with a .268 batting average and a 2.70 ERA, outscoring opponents by 21 runs. Conversely, the Dodgers have a 3-7 record over their last 10 games, with a .270 batting average and a 5.59 ERA, being outscored by 18 runs.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 2026 season
Crow-Armstrong, a two-time All-Star for the Cubs, is having a notable season in 2026. He is currently batting .284 and leads all of MLB with a 7.0 WAR. Across 426 at-bats, he has accumulated 76 runs, 121 hits, 24 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases.
His slugging percentage is .535, and he maintains a .919 OPS. His current performance puts him on pace to achieve the best slugging percentage, OPS, batting average, and hit total of his major league career, which began in 2023.
Crow-Armstrong was initially drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He later became part of a 2021 trade package that sent Javier Baez to New York and brought Crow-Armstrong to Chicago.
Key performers for both teams
For the Cubs, Alex Bregman has contributed 23 doubles, a triple, 11 home runs, and 47 RBIs. Nico Hoerner has been in strong form, recording 15 hits in 37 at-bats with three home runs over the past 10 games.
Leading the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman has a .310 batting average, along with 27 doubles, a triple, 15 home runs, 51 walks, and 54 RBIs. Shohei Ohtani has also been productive, with 15 hits in 39 at-bats, two home runs, and seven RBIs over his last 10 games.
The Wednesday game is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. EDT.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.