Nearly every iteration of the Chicago Cubs lineup over the last seven weeks has featured the same player in the No. 3 spot.
Left fielder Ian Happ has been a staple in the middle of the order for manager David Ross as the Cubs fought their way back to .500 and are currently third in the National League wild-card position after Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Happ’s offensive numbers are more in line with his 2021 season than the stellar 2022 performance that earned him his first All-Star Game honor and a Gold Glove award.
Ross mentioned Christopher Morel as an option when he’s hot, however, Morel has been in a funk lately and doesn’t generate the same level of on-base consistency Ross wants in front of Bellinger. Jeimer Candelario presents some similarities to Happ’s hitter profile, including being a switch-hitter, but Ross likes howsince joining the organization before the trade deadline, deepening the lower half of the order.
“There’s a lot that goes into believing in your guys through good and bad, and Ian has shown me over the time being his manager that he’s going to go through some moments of just not being his best, but he’s going to come out the other side because he’s consistent in his attitude and his work.” Cubs' Ian Happ, right, celebrates after his home run against the Pirates with Cody Bellinger, left, in the ninth inning on Aug. 25, 2023.
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