Chicago Cubs Lineup (7/29/25): Rea Starting, Ryne Sandberg Patches Added
Last night’s game was only the Cubs’ second-worst loss of the evening, and it wasn’t particularly close. The announcement of Ryne Sandberg’s passing overshadowed pretty much everything, making a disappointing effort on the field feel inconsequential. I’m still struggling with it now, but it’s been great to see and hear all the tributes from fans, teammates, and members of the media who covered Ryno.
One common thread is how universally beloved and respected he was, even by fans of other teams. Starting tonight, the Cubs will honor the franchise legend with a patch bearing his number 23 and his signature. We can only hope they’ll honor his memory with a strong stretch run as well.
Colin Rea is on the bump for what could and probably should be his last start this season, assuming Jed Hoyer is able to land some rotation help in the next two days. He’s been good in stretches, but it’s been very boom/bust on the whole. After being roughed up by the Royals in his last outing, the Cubs could really use a better result tonight.
Michael Busch leads off at first, Kyle Tucker is in right, Seiya Suzuki is the DH, and Pete Crow-Armstrong is in center. Nico Hoerner slides up to the five spot at second base, Ian Happ is in left, Dansby Swanson is at short, Reese McGuire does the catching, and Matt Shaw is at third.
They’re facing Quinn Priester, who could eventually change his name to Popester if he does well enough. He probably has to play for the Cardinals first, though. The Cubs unloaded on Priester back in early May, scoring seven runs on six hits with four walks. He served as the bulk man in that one, entering the game with two outs in the 1st inning after Tyler Alexander allowed four of the first five batters to reach.
Priester has been much better on the whole, posting a 3.28 ERA with peripherals that back up its legitimacy for the most part. His .268 BABIP against is a little low and and his 57.5% grounder rate might be too high, indicating he could be due for regression. Then again, he has a good sinker he throws over 40% of the time and he really knows how to spin the ball.
My heart’s not in it to do a deeper dive on Priester, so I’ll just add that the righty has been tougher on left-handed hitters this season. A lot of that comes from the curveball being so effective. Though he throws it less than 10% of the time overall, lefties see a much higher percentage. That didn’t seem to bother the Cubs, as those aforementioned homers were hit by Busch and PCA.
First pitch tonight is at 6:40pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score. The Brewers will hold a moment of silence at 6:26 to honor Sandberg’s life and legacy.
Game 2 in Milwaukee.
Watch tonight’s game live on the Marquee Sports Network App. pic.twitter.com/EsxEbNhA9N
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2025
