Anthony Rizzo returns to lineup – Ben Zobrist sits with bruised ankle – Willson Contreras starts in left field – John Lackey bats eighth
The Cubs look to make it two in a row over the Marlins behind John Lackey on Saturday afternoon (3:10pm CDT). And as expected, Anthony Rizzo returns to the starting lineup while Ben Zobrist gets a day off after leaving Friday’s game with a bruised left ankle.
Anthony Rizzo has missed the last two games with lower back tightness.
Joe Maddon said he would find a place for Willson Contreras if Anthony Rizzo was able to start. With Rizzo back in the lineup and hitting third, Contreras begins his second week in the big leagues with his first start in left field.
Javier Baez is starting at second in place of the injured Ben Zobrist. Kris Bryant is at third base and hitting in the two-hole again behind Jason Heyward.
Cubs batting order: Jason Heyward RF, Kris Bryant 3B, Anthony Rizzo 1B, Willson Contreras LF, Javier Baez 2B, Addison Russell SS, Miguel Montero C, John Lackey P, Albert Almora Jr. CF
Miguel Montero is behind the plate catching John Lackey today with the right-hander Paul Clemens on the hill for the Fish. Montero was unavailable Thursday and could only pinch-hit Friday after twisting his right knee Wednesday. Montero said he is fine but still a little sore.
For the second straight game, Maddon is sticking with Heyward in the leadoff spot and his pitcher hitting eighth in front of Albert Almora Jr.
The Cubs will begin the game with Matt Szczur, David Ross, Chris Coghlan and Ben Zobrist on the bench. Zobrist is likely unavailable today after getting hit with a pitch, and being very sore, late Friday.