After scoring only one run in each of their last five games — all of them on a solo home run — the Cubs today announced a “bold plan” to score more than one run in their game against the Tigers Wednesday evening.
“Look, you’ve got to score more than one run to win most ballgames,” said manager Joe Maddon. “We’re going to shake things up tonight.”
Maddon said that in addition to batting newly acquired infielder Daniel Murphy in the leadoff spot, the Cubs will bat the ghost of Hall of Fame third baseman Ron Santo in the two-hole. Little League World Series star Alfred “Big Al” Delia will DH and bat third. Injured slugger Kris Bryant will bat one-handed in the cleanup spot. Anthony Rizzo will bat in each of the following five spots in the lineup. Meanwhile, struggling shortstop Addison Russell was told the game has been canceled.