Line-Ups Posted for World Series Game 3 at Wrigley Field

As always happens when you eliminate the DH, things are going to look a lot different in Wrigley than they did at Progressive Field in games one and two.

The Indians will actually come with a pretty similar batting order, moving Perez up to seven and replacing Coco Crisp with Tomlin in the line-up. Where things are different will be Santana making his first Major League start in the outfield, playing left instead of Rajai Davis, Brandon Guyer or Crisp.

There is little question that Santana and Napoli are both huge parts of the line-up and without one of them, the Indians would have a significantly harder time scoring, something they’ve already struggled with this post-season. Given how good Hendricks has been this year and especially in recent starts, Terry Francona has opted for the improved offense over the better defense Davis in center and Guyer in left would provide.

The Cubs will move catcher Contreras up to the five spot after hitting at the bottom of the line-up previously and move Baez down to seven after he went just two for nine in the first two games with five strike outs. The top four hitters remain the same and Hendricks will bat ninth.

The biggest omission of the line-up is that of Kyle Schwarber, who went 3 for 7 in the games in Cleveland with two RBI. He has not been medically cleared to play in the field yet, although we should expect him to pinch hit whenever the Cubs need it most. His inability to play the field, however, will limit Joe Maddon to just one bullet out of his most potent weapon while Francona will attempt to get much more out of Santana. Any detrimental play of Santana in left or positive at the plate from either hitter will likely be the primary topic of discussion during the game and if Santana plays well, it could actually give the Indians the advantage in the National League park.