Cubs' ideal playoff starting lineups with Dansby Swanson's return should eliminate risks

Dansby Swanson is expected to return to the Chicago Cubs this weekend, and while larger concerns loom, Swanson's return does give the Cubs their optimal look when it comes to the position-player side of their roster.

As has been the case for most of the season, with Swanson back in the fold, there's not much of a guessing game needed in terms of how Craig Counsell will pencil in his starting lineups during the playoffs.

Here's the ideal Cubs' starting lineup during the playoffs against right-handed pitchers

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
4. Michael Busch, 1B
5. Ian Happ, LF
6. Nico Hoerner, 2B
7. Michael Conforto, DH
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Carson Kelly, C

It's pretty straightforward, but there could be some debate over the No. 4 spot in the lineup. Along those lines, while note perfect, Michael Busch has started to look like the version of Busch that Cubs fans saw last year. Entering play on Wednesday, he had six hits through his last 20 plate appearances with a home run and four RBI. The power might be returning to his approach, and that would be a huge development for the Cubs heading into the playoffs.

It's also worth noting that both Ian Happ and Michael Conforto would have short leashes. In the playoffs, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Craig Counsell turn to one of Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramirez, or Tyrone Taylor as soon as a left-handed pitcher enters the game.

Here's the ideal Cubs' starting lineup during the playoffs against left-handed pitchers

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
3. Tyrone Taylor, LF
4. Seiya Suzuki, RF
5. Matt Shaw, DH
6. Nico Hoerner, 2B
7. Michael Busch, 1B
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Carson Kelly, C

The premise is simple, get the hitters who mash left-handed pitcher close to the top of the lineup. Taylor has a wRC+ of 156 against lefties this season, and Shaw is at 141. Those two will need to be in the starting lineup when the Cubs face a southpaw.

The bottom of the lineup can be left for debate, and there's isn't an order that wouldn't make sense, assuming it includes Busch, Swanson, and Kelly. We've seem Counsell eager to get Happ in games during the later innings when a left-handed starting pitcher is pulled, so that is something to keep in mind. Though, considering the lows Happ has had this season, he shouldn't be a priority for playing time in October.

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