Chicago Cubs lineup vs. Pirates: Carson Kelly in cleanup, Dansby Swanson batting 8th, Shota Imanaga pitching….
The Chicago Cubs unveiled an interesting lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, headlined by catcher Carson Kelly hitting in the cleanup spot and shortstop Dansby Swanson batting eighth. Kelly, typically a bottom-half hitter, gets a rare opportunity in the heart of the order, perhaps a strategic move to spark a lineup that has struggled with consistency. The decision reflects the coaching staff’s trust in Kelly’s recent offensive approach, as well as a shake-up aimed at generating more production.
Dansby Swanson, on the other hand, continues to slide down the lineup amid ongoing struggles at the plate. Once a key fixture near the top or middle of the order, Swanson has battled through a cold stretch, prompting the move to the eighth spot to relieve pressure and possibly help him reset.
Left-hander Shota Imanaga takes the mound for the Cubs. Imanaga has been a revelation in his debut MLB season, boasting elite command and limiting hard contact. His presence offers stability, and the Cubs will look to him to keep a dangerous Pirates lineup in check.
With key lineup changes and Imanaga pitching, Chicago hopes to get back in the win column and regain momentum in a tightly contested NL Central race.
