Chicago Cubs look for third-straight win as they face Padres

The Chicago Cubs will aim for their third-straight victory when they take on the San Diego Padres in the second game of their three-game series. First question on most people’s minds? Is Anthony Rizzo going to be plunked?

The Chicago Cubs find themselves one win away from a winning streak. Part of the reason for that has been the play of Anthony Rizzo at the top of the order. When leading off, Rizzo has two home runs, two singles, a double and a walk. That’s a 1.000 in batting average and on-base percentage. And there’s a chance that he could keep that intact if the San Diego Padres have their way.

The Cubs (35-34) won thanks to some clutch hitting and exceptional baserunning last night. But it was Rizzo’s slide into Austin Hedges that forced  Hedges out of the game. Padres (28-43) manager Andy Green wasn’t too happy with the play and made his feelings known. 

"“I’m not saying (Rizzo is) a dirty player at all. No one is saying that. He clearly deviated from his path to hit our catcher and took our catcher out. The rule exists to protect him. It’s a disheartening play.”"

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Rizzo spoke with league disciplinarian Joe Torre who informed Rizzo he wouldn’t be fined or suspended. Will there be any retaliation for the perceived “dirty play”? We won’t have to wait long to find out as Rizzo will once again lead off.

Mike Montgomery (0-3, 2.56) will once again fill in for the injured Kyle Hendricks and hopes to get beyond the fifth inning. Montgomery threw 88 pitches in his last outing but didn’t figure in the decision. Depending on when Hendricks returns, it’s possible that the Cubs could continue using Montgomery in a six-man rotation.

The Padres will send Jhoulys Chacin (6-5, 3.10) to the hill as he comes off his third-straight quality start. Coincidentally, Rizzo has hit Chacin well to the tune of a 4-for-8, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Padres keep Rizzo to just one base to lead off the game.

The Cubs will be without Jason Heyward again as he waits to see how the blister on his hand heals. And Kyle Schwarber may be available to pinch hit after fouling a ball off his ankle that required him to get an MRI.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s action:

First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field. CSN Chicago will have the television coverage while 670 The Score will have the radio broadcast. Make sure to check back in throughout the game for our thoughts on the Rizzo play as well as after the game for the recap and more!