Chicago Cubs set roster for tonight’s Wild Card game

Cubs release Wild Card roster for tonight’s contest

The Chicago Cubs have released their roster for tonight’s NL Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. There aren’t many surprises, as Cubs’ skipper Joe Maddon is taking just three starters and loading up the bench to play the matchup game. Outside of starter Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks join him on the roster just in case. Lester would be an “emergency” use only while Hendricks could possibly see action. You can also find the rosters here. 

With the “series” being a one-game playoff, Maddon is able to stack his bench by leaving a few of the starters off the roster. Past this round that will change, but for now it’s about beating the Pirates. Arrieta on the mound is a good start. Lester and Hendricks are there as a precaution–although I could see Joe using Hendricks if he felt it was needed. But he also has Travis Wood, Clayton Richard, and Trevor Cahill who can pitch in long relief.

The most intriguing story left to be decided is the starting lineup. Who gets the start at third, right field, and left field should be interesting. Kris Bryant will be somewhere in those three, but who fills the other two is open for debate. Javier Baez and Tommy La Stella have been mentioned, although La Stella is likely a better pinch-hitting option.

Kyle Schwarber and Chris Coghlan will be top options in left field, and which Joe decides to use is anyone’s guess. Coghlan finished up the final two games hot but had been in a slump prior to that. Schwarber has seen his playing time decrease, but even with his average down he takes walks and is still a power threat every time he’s at the plate.

We’ll have more once the starting lineups are revealed as well as constant coverage throughout the day. Keep following Cubbies Crib for all your playoff news!

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