Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/12/22): Sampson P, Suzuki RF, Rivas 1B

The Chicago Cubs will attempt to reset against Baltimore following a sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs had won four straight series before traveling to L.A. and they actually played the Dodgers close in every game, so you don’t have to stretch too far to believe they will do well in this two-game series against the Orioles. Of course, winning the series would require a sweep and that’s something the Cubs haven’t done all season.

Adrian Sampson has been pretty good for the Cubs this season but he still hasn’t been able to register a win despite his 2.91 ERA over five games, three as a starter. That says much more about the Cubs’ offense than it does about Sampson. In the games he’s started, Sampson hasn’t gone past the 6th inning. The Cubs ended up winning two of those starts by one run and lost the third game by two runs.

The Orioles have won eight straight games, but seven of those games have been against the Texas Rangers (40-44) and Los Angeles Angels (38-49) combined, not exactly juggernauts. Of course, the Orioles also play in the American League East, which is the best division in baseball, and are 18.5 games back of the New York Yankees. They’d be only five games back if they were in the National League Central.

Leading off for the Cubs today and playing center is Rafael Ortega, followed by Willson Contreras at DH, Ian Happ in left, Seiya Suzuki in right, and Patrick Wisdom at third. Nico Hoerner is at short, Alfonso Rivas is at first, Yan Gomes is catching, and David Bote is at second.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup at Wrigley Field. pic.twitter.com/38ynM183A6

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 12, 2022