The Cubs returned to a more conventional lineup Saturday night against the Florida Marlins and left-hander Al Leiter, but manager Jim Riggleman said another shakeup might be in the works.
A night earlier, Riggleman unveiled a batting order that featured Brian McRae at leadoff, followed by Luis Gonzalez, Sammy Sosa, Mark Grace, Dave Magadan, Ryne Sandberg, Scott Servais, Rey Sanchez and the pitcher’s spot. Saturday night, Sandberg was back in the No. 2 spot, but Grace remained at cleanup. Right-handed hitters Leo Gomez and Ozzie Timmons replaced lefties Magadan and Gonzalez, respectively.
With right-hander Kevin Brown scheduled to start Sunday for the Marlins, Riggleman said he isn’t sure how he’ll fill out his lineup card. Whatever he does, Cubs players endorsed his recent changes.
“I agree with Rigs in making a change,” Grace said. “Obviously, the lineup we were using for 50-some-odd games (wasn’t) working. Really, without sounding arrogant, Leo and I really are about the only guys swinging the bat good these days. About five or six guys went south about the same time.”
May blues: Grace wasn’t kidding about Cubs hitting slumps. Assorted May averages: Gonzalez (.218), McRae (.224), Sanchez (.232), Sandberg (.241), Servais (.240), Sosa (.248) and Gomez (.257).
Air waves: Because of an ESPN exclusivity clause regarding air time of major-league games on Sunday, the Cubs’ late-afternoon game against the Marlins can’t be broadcast on WGN. The game will be shown on CLTV.
Injury update: Outfielder Scott Bullett began his injury rehabilitation assignment in Double-A Orlando Saturday night. Bullett is recovering from a broken rib.