"The Cubs finally caught a bit of a break today. Instead of having to face Drew Rasmussen, who was a beast last season and off to a great start this year, they'll get a bullpen game from the Rays."
"This very different looking Cubs lineup is almost certainly about the lack of Ian Happ, who gets an early day off in Tampa."
"Nico Hoerner leading off full-time could be a strategic move, as he has been great this year and is walking more, leading to a higher OBP."
"The lefty/righty balance goes all the way down the Cubs lineup, with Amaya (R), Ballesteros (L), Swanson (R), Conforto (L), Shaw (R) rounding things out."
The Cubs are facing a bullpen game from the Rays instead of ace Drew Rasmussen, who is unavailable due to personal reasons. This change allows the Cubs to field a new lineup, with Javier Assad starting against the Rays' relievers. Ian Happ is absent, leading to adjustments in the batting order. Nico Hoerner is positioned to lead off, reflecting his improved performance. The lineup maintains a lefty/righty balance throughout, with notable players like Michael Busch and Alex Bregman following Hoerner.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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