Cubs Will Use 10th Different Leadoff Hitter After Jason Heyward Is Scratched From Lineup

Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward was scratched from Wednesday night’s lineup against the Phillies and that has led Joe Maddon to use the 10th different leadoff hitter of the season.

With righty Aaron Nola starting for the Phillies, the Cubs had their usual lineup that they’ve been using since the Nick Castellanos trade. It didn’t change much, as Tony Kemp will now leadoff and play second base.

Tony Kemp will be the 10th different leadoff hitter for the #Cubs this season, joining Schwarber, Heyward, Zobrist, Almora, Descalso, García, Báez, Rizzo & Contreras

— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) August 14, 2019

The only other difference is that Ian Happ moves from second to center field.

Jason Heyward has been scratched from the #Cubs lineup due to left knee inflammation.

He is day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/ARWat93BXf

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 14, 2019

Hopefully Heyward only misses a game or two with the knee inflammation. He’s struggled since the start of August, hitting only .195 in 41 at-bats.

Heyward felt some pain in his knee in the middle of the night. Felt better today as he took swings but fig better to give it a day. Does not expect an IL stint. Wasn’t sure when he hurt it.

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) August 14, 2019

Overall in 2019, Heyward is posting a .807 OPS, the highest mark of his career since 2012.