For the second day in a row, the Chicago Cubs have been forced to make a late lineup adjustment, as shortstop Javier Báez has been removed from the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Báez, who was set to bat fifth and play shortstop in the series finale against Philadelphia, is dealing with an illness, according to the team, and will not be available for the contest.
The shortstop has appeared in 118 of the Cubs’ 120 games this season, slugging 28 home runs and driving in 81 RBI’s on the season.
After the announcement, manager Joe Maddon shuffled up his lineup to deal with the absence of his star infielder. Anthony Rizzo was bumped up to the lead-off spot in the order, with Albert Almora Jr. dropping from first all the way to ninth in the new lineup. David Bote, who was originally going to play second base, will shift over to shortstop and bat sixth, while Ian Happ will now start and play second base.
Jason Heyward, who was a late scratch from the lineup on Wednesday, will miss his second straight game as he battles left knee inflammation.