The Chicago Cubs face a do-or-die moment in Game 3 of the NLDS — it’s win or be sent home. Unlike their previous elimination game in the Wild Card round, this time the stakes couldn't be higher specifically for the Cubs. The pressure is on pitcher Jameson Taillon to shut down the Milwaukee Brewers' offense, and the Cubs’ lineup must break out of its troublingly low-scoring slump — a slump so stark that it’s making postseason history for all the wrong reasons. If neither happens, then this could be the final chapter of their playoff run. So, Cubs fans, it’s time to rally — this can't be the last game you watch this October.
Chicago Cubs Lineup (NLDS Game 3)
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Kyle Tucker, DH
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Carson Kelly, C
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Matt Shaw, 3B
If you were anticipating a different Cubs lineup facing a right-handed pitcher at Wrigley Field today, you might have missed the pattern. Manager Craig Counsell has consistently stuck with this exact lineup and batting order throughout the series, embodying a "dance with the one who brung you" philosophy — trusting the familiar over untested alternatives.
Why? Frankly, there aren’t many viable options right now. While Moises Ballesteros is a talent the Cubs will lean on in the future, it just doesn’t seem to be his moment this October. Meanwhile, Reese McGuire doesn’t yet have the edge defensively or offensively to supplant Carson Kelly behind the plate. And despite Matt Shaw’s relative youth, his defensive skills and baserunning value make him more crucial than a potential lefty bat like Willi Castro at third base. The Cubs are maximizing their available strengths.
So, here’s to hoping this lineup can ignite and keep the season alive. Go Cubs!
Milwaukee Brewers Lineup
- Christian Yelich, DH
- Jackson Chourio, LF
- Brice Turang, 2B
- William Contreras, C
- Sal Frelick, RF
- Caleb Durbin, 3B
- Jake Bauers, 1B
- Brandon Lockridge, CF
- Joey Ortiz, SS
Pitching Preview
Chicago Cubs: Jameson Taillon, Right-Handed Pitcher
Jameson Taillon was analyzed in depth earlier today, but a quick refresher is warranted. Taillon looked impressive during his brief but effective outing against the Padres in the Wild Card round. If he can channel that sharpness again today, the Cubs’ chances of victory increase dramatically.Milwaukee Brewers: Quinn Priester, Right-Handed Pitcher
Yesterday, Brewers manager Pat Murphy surprised many by not handing Priester the bulk of the innings after Aaron Ashby, instead turning to Jacob Misiorowski and bullpen. But Priester is starting today, so re-examining his performance is key.
Quinn Priester has experience pitching with an opener, including three starts against the Cubs this season:
* May 2 (with opener): 4.1 innings, 6 hits, 7 runs, 4 walks, 4 strikeouts, 2 home runs allowed
* July 29 (no opener): 5.2 innings, 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts, 1 home run
* August 21 (no opener): 4.1 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, 5 walks, 4 strikeouts
The Cubs have had some solid offensive moments against Priester, peppering him with hits, earning walks, and hitting for power. Yet Priester is a strong season-long performer, boasting a 3.32 ERA over 157.1 innings pitched this year.
So how does he thrive? Priester relies heavily on ground balls and keeping hitters from barreling the ball, which in tight postseason games often leads to crucial double plays. This suggests the Cubs might try to be more aggressive on the bases once they get on, aiming to capitalize on any ground-ball opportunities.
Another interesting angle: Priester shows notable splits against lefties and righties, with left-handed hitters generally faring better against him — something the Cubs may try to exploit strategically.
Broadcast Details
Tune in at 4:08 pm Central Time for this critical showdown between the Chicago Cubs (0-2) and the Milwaukee Brewers (2-0). The game airs on TBS, HBO Max, 670 The Score, and ESPN Radio.
Injury Report
Chicago Cubs Injuries:
* Owen Caissie, Outfielder
* Miguel Amaya, Catcher
* Ryan Brasier, Relief Pitcher
* Cade Horton, Right-Handed Pitcher
* Justin Steele, Left-Handed Pitcher
Milwaukee Brewers Injuries:
* Brandon Woodruff, Starting Pitcher
* Jordan Montgomery, Starting Pitcher
* Garrett Mitchell, Outfielder
* Connor Thomas, Relief Pitcher
* Logan Henderson, Starting Pitcher
* Shelby Miller, Relief Pitcher
Weather at Wrigley Field
The temperature in Chicago is a cool 62 degrees, with winds blowing gently in from center field at 8 mph, gusting up to 13 mph. These conditions might slightly favor pitchers, but nothing extreme.
Here’s the part most people miss: The Cubs’ consistent faith in this lineup and pitcher Taillon is a gamble on chemistry and experience rather than fresh tactics. Could shaking up the order or throwing in unexpected players break the Brewers’ momentum? Or is this steady approach the most solid path forward?
What do you think? Should the Cubs stick to this lineup, or is it time for bold changes? Share your thoughts below — are they smart to trust what they've got, or is this strategy destined to backfire?
