Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/6/25): Happ Leads Off, McGuire Catching, Boyd Starting

The Cubs and Cards have split the first two games of this high-scoring series, making Sunday’s rubber match that much more important. It helps that the Cubs can’t close the weekend with anything less than a three-game division lead, but it’d feel better to keep it at four or even better.

Matthew Boyd might be the best possible option to start a big game, as he shut the Cardinals down in St. Louis a little over a week ago. The lefty has been better than advertised as a member of the rotation, and this could be the best season of his career so far. It should end up that way as long as he stays healthy.

Backing him today is a potent offense that starts with Ian Happ in left, Kyle Tucker in right, and Seiya Suzuki at DH. Pete Crow-Armstrong cleans up in center, Michael Busch is at first, Dansby Swanson mans short, and Nico Hoerner is at second. Reese McGuire gets the start behind the dish and Matt Shaw is at third.

They’re facing righty Erick Fedde, who they bombed in that same game when Boyd pitched well. Fedde allowed seven earned runs on eight hits — three of which left the yard — and two walks over just under four innings of work. He then went out and gave up seven more runs to the Pirates five days later. That was the third time this season he’s served up a seven-spot, all of which have featured at least eight hits.

While it’s hard to imagine Fedde having another abysmal start tonight, he’s given up 91 hits with only 57 strikeouts and an alarming 41 walks in 92.2 innings this season. This is a great matchup for the Cubs as long as they keep hitting the way they have been.

First pitch is at 5:10pm CT on ESPN and 670 The Score.

Your Sunday evening starters: pic.twitter.com/sPEFvVbid3

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 6, 2025