The Chicago Cubs are looking to secure their fifth consecutive win today against the Washington Nationals, which would equal their season-high streak. The lineup features Dansby Swanson moving up to a more prominent spot, likely due to his strong performance against left-handed pitchers this season, boasting a 140 wRC+. Javier Assad will start on the mound, coming off solid outings recently as the Cubs face DJ Herz, a former prospect from their organization.
While Swanson's increased position reflects his offensive surge, it contrasts with typical maneuvering against left-handed pitchers, raising questions about strategy amid Busch's struggles. Buehler's inconsistency since his injury also hints at unpredictable outcomes for the Dodgers.
If Swanson continues his strong hitting, he may solidify his position higher in the lineup for future games. Meanwhile, the Cubs will look to capitalize on Buehler's ongoing struggles in hopes of gaining ground in the playoff race.
Swanson's strategic lineup adjustment reflects his hot streak but raises questions about Busch's future role, while the Cubs need a solid performance from Hendricks to have a fighting chance against the Dodgers' potent lineup.
The Cubs lineup today looks a lot like yesterday’s (also against a lefty). By which, I mean Dansby Swanson is still batting second. But the two big differences today are …
(1) Patrick Wisdom is giving Michael Busch the day off. Is what it is at this point. Craig Counsell is committed to that. We just have to hope Wisdom runs into one.
(2) Miguel Amaya back in behind the plate for Christian Bethancourt.
After a medium-length stretch of mediocrity following his return from the Injured List, Javier Assad has finally put together a pretty solid stretch. It began with some shorter outings against the Cardinals, Twins, and Guardians, but he’s gotten some length here lately against the Tigers and Marlins:
vsDET: 5.2 IP, 6H, 1ER, 1BB, 7K@MIA: 7.0 IP, 6H, 3ER, 1BB, 3K
Over his last seven starts, Assad has a 2.86 ERA. The 4.44 FIP and 84.1% strand rate shouldn’t make you feel great, but it’s hard to argue with an 84.8 MPH average exit velocity. That’s very good.
You may not have realized it, but Dansby Swanson has been hitting well enough since the early parts of July (111 wRC+ over his last 175 PAs). But I’d wager that’s not the reason he’s moved way up in the Cubs lineup this afternoon in D.C. Instead, I think the change is on account of his quietly stellar production versus left-handers this year: .286/.371/.494 (140 wRC+). Let’s hope he brings that bat with him today against Herz.
And by moving him up, Craig Counsell can keep the same personnel* — avoiding swapping Michael Busch out for Patrick Wisdom — without keeping Busch in the two-spot.
*Besides Miguel Amaya –> Christian Bethancourt behind the plate.
DJ Herz has struck out 83 batters in just 65.2 IP this season, which is a very strong total overall. That said, righties are striking out slightly less often and walking significantly more than their left-handed counterparts. And yet, lefties are hitting Herz better overall (.335 wOBA vs .301 wOBA). Why? I’m not sure. And there’s not really enough data to say. My guess (and the available data does seem to support this theory generally) is that righties aren’t squaring Herz up well or often enough. Shrug. Let’s hope the Cubs lineup can keep the good times rolling.
