"This is the first 'versus lefties' lineup of the year for the Cubs, and for good reason. Check out the lefty/righty splits for Yusei Kikuchi's career: That is a *significant* gap, which is exactly why we see Nico Hoerner leading off."
"In the absence of Seiya Suzuki, Matt Shaw is also the obvious choice for right field against a lefty, but this is when you really start missing Seiya. Because with Ballesteros on the bench against a lefty and Carson Kelly behind the plate, the Cubs are forced to start Miguel Amaya at DH."
"While I love Amaya's bat against righties and just in general long-term, he actually has struggled against lefties throughout his career (181 PAs): .190/.253/.295 (54 wRC+). That doesn't mean he can't succeed today against a lefty who has struggled against righties."
The Cubs are looking to secure a series win against the Angels after failing in their previous attempt. Today's lineup is tailored to face left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, with Nico Hoerner leading off. The absence of Seiya Suzuki is felt, as the team adjusts with Matt Shaw in right field and Miguel Amaya at DH, despite his struggles against lefties. Matthew Boyd is set to pitch for the Cubs in his first start of the season.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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