Tommy La Stella Starts at 3rd, Bats 5th For Cubs In Wild-Card Game
(CBS) As many expected, the lefty-swinging Tommy La Stella will get the start at third base for the Cubs in their wild-card contest against the Pirates on Wednesday evening.
The move is a nod by Cubs manager Joe Maddon to get another lefty into the lineup against Pirates ace right-hander Gerrit Cole. The lineup didn't include any surprises, and Maddon will utilize a defensive alignment that he went to more late in the season. Athletic rookie Kris Bryant will navigate the spacious and quirky left field at PNC Park, while less-fleet-of-foot Kyle Schwarber will man the smaller right field area.
Here's a look at the Cubs' lineup, with career stat line against Pirates ace Gerrit Cole in parentheses.
CF Dexter Fowler (3-14)
RF Kyle Schwarber (1-5)
LF Kris Bryant (3-9)
1B Anthony Rizzo (6-17)
3B Tommy La Stella (1-6)
2B Starlin Castro (6-17)
C Miguel Montero (3-5)
SS Addison Russell (2-7)
P Jake Arrieta (0-0)
Here's a look at the Pirates' lineup:
RF Gregoy Polanco
3B Josh Harrison
CF Andrew McCutchen
LF Starling Marte
C Francisco Cervelli
2B Neil Walker
SS Jordy Mercer
1B Sean Rodriguez
P Gerrit Cole
First pitch is set for 7:08 p.m. in Pittsburgh.