CLEVELAND — Kyle Schwarber returns to the Cubs lineup as the designated hitter at the American League park Tuesday night, batting second in Game 6 of the World Series against the Indians.
Schwarber will bat behind leadoff man Dexter Fowler, with Kris Bryant moving down to to third, followed by Anthony Rizzo fourth and Ben Zobrist fifth. The Indians lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.
Here is the Cubs lineup: Fowler CF, Schwarber DH, Bryant 3B, Rizzo 1B, Zobrist LF, Addison Russell SS, Willson Contreras C, Jason Heyward RF, Javy Baez 2B. Jake Arrieta is the starting pitcher.
Here is the Indians lineup: Carlos Santana DH, Jason Kipnis 2B, Francisco Lindor SS, Mike Napoli 1B, Jose Ramirez 3B, Lonnie Chisenhall RF, Coco Crisp LF, Tyler Naquin CF, Roberto Perez C. Josh Tomlin is the starting pitcher.
Schwarber’s surgically repaired knee is not ready for outfield play, which limited him to pinch-hitting duty in Games 3, 4 and 5 at Wrigley Field. Schwarber was 3-for-8 in two games as the DH, including a double off the wall against Corey Kluber in Game 1. Schwarber batted fifth behind Zobrist in the first two games, which the Cubs and Indians split.
The Cubs, who avoided elimination by defeating the Indians 3-2 in Game 5 Sunday at Wrigley Field, need to win to force Game 7 Wednesday at Cleveland. Arrieta starts against right-hander Josh Tomlin.
Manager Joe Maddon said he expects to see Indians left-hander Andrew Miller in the game early, possibly by the fourth inning, which puts a premium on the Cubs getting an early lead. Having the left-handed hitting Schwarber bat second enhances his chances of getting more than one at-bat against Tomlin, a right-hander.
Contreras also caught Arrieta in the Cubs’ 5-1 victory in Game 2.
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