The Chicago Cubs unveiled an interesting lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, headlined by catcher Carson Kelly hitting in the cleanup spot and shortstop Dansby Swanson batting eighth.
Kelly, typically a bottom-half hitter, gets a rare opportunity in the heart of the order, perhaps a strategic move to spark a lineup that has struggled with consistency.
The decision reflects the coaching staff’s trust in Kelly’s recent offensive approach, as well as a shake-up aimed at generating more production.
Dansby Swanson, on the other hand, continues to slide down the lineup amid ongoing struggles at the plate. Once a key fixture near the top or middle of the order, Swanson has battled through a cold stretch, prompting the move to the eighth spot to relieve pressure and possibly help him reset.
Left-hander Shota Imanaga takes the mound for the Cubs. Imanaga has been a revelation in his debut MLB season, boasting elite command and limiting hard contact. His presence offers stability, and the Cubs will look to him to keep a dangerous Pirates lineup in check.
With key lineup changes and Imanaga pitching, Chicago hopes to get back in the win column and regain momentum in a tightly contested NL Central race.