Cubs NLDS Game 4 Lineup: David Ross Starts At Catcher

Here’s the Cubs’ starting lineup for Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Giants:

This has to be seen as a bit of a surprise. Many thought Willson Contreras would start this game, to provide a bit more offense for a team that’s been lacking hitting (except for its pitching staff, and John Lackey isn’t much of a hitter).

David Ross provides strong defense, and that’s apparently what Joe Maddon is looking for in this game. Jorge Soler, who started Game 3, is on the bench, and Jason Heyward, who didn’t start Game 3, is back in the lineup, even though there’s a lefthander going for the Giants in Matt Moore.

That makes six Cubs who have started every game of this series: Dexter Fowler, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez.

It’d be nice to get Rizzo going offensively. He’s 0-for-13. As you surely know, Rizzo is a streaky hitter. I’d like to see one of those streaks start tonight.

No Giants lineup is available yet, but the Giants tend to have more of a set lineup against righthanders and I’d guess tonight’s will look quite similar to their Game 3 lineup.