Time to change everything again, given the presence of Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar’s status on the paternity list:
Not too much to say in general here, other than Eli White hitting ahead of Sean Murphy is today’s source of mirth, and at least Ronald Acuña Jr. is temporarily (?) freed from the abattoir of hitting third. It’s certainly a new lineup and defensive arrangement given Kim’s presence.
Six of the guys in this lineup have faced off against Shota Imanaga before — and they happen to be the first six guys in order. In a combined 17 PAs, they have a .392 wOBA on a .314 xwOBA.
The Cubs have flipped their lineup a fair bit from yesterday, and today will be the 2025 debut of Kevin Alcantara, arguably the Cubs’ best prospect who was recalled yesterday as part of September roster expansion.
As a result, it’s a new lineup for the Cubs as well. But, that aside, it’s also one of the few times this season that Justin Turner has hit fifth, though everyone else is in a fairly normal place for them considering that Joey Wentz throws the ball with his left hand.
Career-wise, everyone but Alcantara and Carson Kelly has faced Wentz at least once, and these guys have crushed the Braves’ starter in a tiny sample with 19 PAs and a collective .597 wOBA… but just a .328 xwOBA. So, Wentz has definitely got some revenge to collect tonight.
