Ian

Happ

Happ would be a cheaper alternative to his former Cubs teammate Seiya Suzuki, but Suzuki’s right-handed bat would certainly be a better fit in a lefty heavy Seattle lineup. Happ is a switch-hitter, but he’s considerably better against right-handed pitching and he finished out last season as a platoon guy for the Cubs.

There’s zero doubt that Suzuki, arguably the top position player on the free agent market this offseason, will decline Chicago’s qualifying offer. Only 18 of 157 players to receive a qualifying offer have accepted it since the system was first implemented back in 2012. The 32-year-old corner outfielder slashed a robust .270/.368/.473 with 96 runs scored, 26 homers, 86 RBI and three steals across 545 plate appearances. He’s been a consistent power source for fantasy purposes, topping 20 homers in four of five seasons since signing with the Cubs back in 2022. It’s notable that Chicago declined to extend qualifying offers to both Ian Happ and Matthew Boyd.

Chicago manager Craig Counsell will stick with a near-identical lineup, with the exception of Matt Shaw at the hot corner instead of Pedro Ramírez, after Tuesday’s unexpected Game 1 shutout loss at the hands of Michael King and the Padres. Crow-Armstrong struck out three times in four plate appearances in that defeat. Here’s the full lineup: Crow-Armstrong (CF), Alex Bregman (DH), Michael Busch (1B), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Ian Happ (LF), Nico Hoerner (2B), Matt Shaw (3B), Carson Kelly (C) and Dansby Swanson (SS).

Bregman is ready for the start of the postseason after returning to Chicago’s lineup less than one week after suffering multiple facial fractures when he was hit by a foul ball in the on-deck circle. It’ll be rookie Pedro Ramírez filling in at the hot corner with Bregman limited to DH as he continues to recover. Here’s the full lineup for Tuesday’s series opener in San Diego: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF), Bregman (DH), Michael Busch (1B), Seiya Suzuki (RF), Ian Happ (LF), Nico Hoerner (2B), Ramírez (3B), Carson Kelly (C) and Dansby Swanson (SS).

Happ is back in left field and hitting sixth following a two-game absence from Chicago’s lineup due to left knee discomfort. He was able to come off the bench for a pair of at-bats during Monday’s series opener. It doesn’t appear to be a serious concern moving forward.

Happ played two innings in left field today after missing Sunday’s game with knee discomfort. Assuming no setbacks, he’ll probably return to the starting lineup on Tuesday against Jacob Misiorowski.

Happ was scratched from Sunday’s lineup with “left knee discomfort” and will also miss Monday’s game. There has been no word from the Cubs on whether an IL stint might be in the cards. Tyrone Taylor will start in left field again on Monday.

Tyrone Taylor replaced him in left field and will bat ninth for the Cubs in Sunday’s finale against the Marlins. The knee issue for Happ isn’t believed to be serious and the 32-year-old outfielder is considered day-to-day.

Happ delivered a two-out, two-run single in the third inning that extended the Cubs’ early lead to 3-0. He also singled and walked in the contest. For the season, the 32-year-old outfielder is hitting .221/.326/.416 with 23 homers, 64 RBI and four stolen bases in 577 plate appearances.

Happ took Brandon Pfaadt deep for a three-run shot to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead and ultimately a win. It’s the 23rd homer of the season for Happ, and he’s driven in 61 runs. Of those 23 homers, 19 of them have come against right-handed pitching, and one can’t help but wonder how much better his slash would look if he didn’t have to face southpaws.