--- title: "Cubs lean righty bats, Shaw stays in right vs. Corbin" description: "Nico Hoerner bats second, Matt Shaw starts in right field as Craig Counsell stacks the order against Patrick Corbin in Game 2 at Wrigley." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/chicago-cubs-lineup-hoerner-batting-second-shaw-still-in-r-f0f42200 published: 2026-07-01T06:05:26.193+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T06:05:26.193+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball", "basketball"] --- # Cubs lean righty bats, Shaw stays in right vs. Corbin > Nico Hoerner bats second, Matt Shaw starts in right field as Craig Counsell stacks the order against Patrick Corbin in Game 2 at Wrigley. The Chicago Cubs sent out a lineup stacked with right-handed bats for Game 2 against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Nico Hoerner batting second and prospect Matt Shaw remaining in right field. Manager Craig Counsell targeted southpaw Patrick Corbin as the softer matchup before the Cubs’ rotation turns to ace Dylan Cease in the series finale. The Cubs entered the series with a lineup built to exploit Corbin’s struggles, and Counsell’s decision to keep Shaw in right field underscored the organization’s confidence in the bat-first prospect despite his defensive development. Shaw, 24, has logged 14 starts in right field this season, a role the Cubs are using as an audition for a potential corner spot in a contending lineup. His .285/.347/.500 slash line in limited MLB action has kept the bat in the order even as his glove remains a work in progress. The Cubs’ infield is anchored by Hoerner at second, slotting him in the two-hole for the second straight game after a 3-for-10 start to the series. This strategic deployment of Shaw and Hoerner underscores a calculated risk by Counsell. By prioritizing Shaw's bat in right field despite defensive questions, the Cubs signal a commitment to evaluating his offensive ceiling for a potential corner role, even if it means sacrificing immediate defensive polish. Hoerner's consistent presence in the two-hole, even after a modest 3-for-10 start to the series, further solidifies the intent to maximize on-base opportunities against a vulnerable left-hander, setting the table for the heart of the order. The Cubs’ approach against Corbin isn’t just about exploiting a lefty starter—it’s a microcosm of their broader organizational philosophy. The front office has emphasized offensive flexibility this season, trading for power bats and promoting prospects like Shaw who profile as cornerstones rather than traditional defensive specialists. That philosophy extends to Hoerner, a player whose glove is elite but whose bat has been the primary driver of his value. By stacking the order with right-handed power, Counsell is betting that the Cubs’ offensive identity—built on contact, patience, and power—can outweigh any defensive liabilities in the short term. The urgency behind these lineup decisions is palpable, given the Cubs' current standing at 22-19, just 1.5 games out of the NL Central lead. Capitalizing on a perceived softer matchup against Corbin becomes paramount, especially with ace Dylan Cease scheduled for the series finale. This approach aims to secure a series victory, a critical step in maintaining divisional pressure, particularly against a Blue Jays lineup that has struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, despite the presence of established hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Counsell’s approach against Corbin reflects a broader strategy: prioritize offensive production now while addressing defensive concerns later. The Cubs (22-19) sit 1.5 games back in the NL Central, and a series win would keep them within striking distance of the division lead. If the Cubs can steal a win against Corbin, it would validate their offensive-first approach and provide a psychological boost heading into the Cease start, where the rotation’s ace can anchor the series finale. Blue Jays manager John Schneider countered with a lineup that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr. batting cleanup and Bo Bichette at shortstop, a core that has struggled to generate consistent offense in the early going. The Blue Jays’ offensive struggles this season—ranking 12th in the AL in runs per game—have been a point of concern for Schneider, who has tinkered with the lineup to spark production. The absence of consistent run support has forced Toronto to rely heavily on its pitching staff, which has masked deeper issues in the lineup. Against a Cubs team that thrives on exploiting left-handed pitching, Schneider’s lineup choices carry extra weight, as a failure to produce could compound the Blue Jays’ offensive woes and hand Chicago a critical series win. ## Why this matters The Cubs’ lineup decisions against Corbin are less about immediate wins and more about validating Shaw’s long-term fit in right field while leveraging Hoerner’s on-base skills in the two-hole. A series win would build momentum before Cease’s start, but the real stakes are organizational: Can Shaw’s bat profile justify a corner spot in a tight division race, or will defensive concerns force a reshuffle? The Blue Jays’ offensive struggles amplify the importance of this series, as a Cubs win could swing the division race and expose Toronto’s lineup deficiencies. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Matt Shaw still in right field despite defensive struggles? The Cubs are prioritizing Shaw’s offensive profile (.285/.347/.500) over his glove, using his 14 starts in right as an audition for a corner spot in a contending lineup. Defensive development is secondary to offensive production in the short term. ### How does Nico Hoerner’s role in the lineup impact the Cubs’ offense? Hoerner’s placement second leverages his on-base skills, setting the table for power bats behind him. His 3-for-10 start to the series suggests Counsell is trusting his bat over recent struggles. ### What’s at stake for the Cubs in this series against the Blue Jays? A series win would keep the Cubs 1.5 games back in the NL Central, maintaining their push for the division lead. The Cubs are targeting Corbin before facing Dylan Cease in the finale, making this a pivotal chance to build momentum. ### How does Patrick Corbin factor into the Cubs’ lineup decisions? Counsell stacked the order with right-handed bats to exploit Corbin’s struggles, seeing him as a softer matchup before the Cubs face Dylan Cease in Game 3. The Cubs’ lineup is built to maximize production against the lefty. ### What are the Blue Jays’ offensive struggles this season? Toronto ranks 12th in the AL in runs per game, with Guerrero Jr. and Bichette struggling to generate consistent production. The lineup’s lack of run support has forced the pitching staff to carry the team, exposing deeper issues. ### How does the Cubs’ offensive philosophy play into this series? The Cubs have emphasized offensive flexibility this season, trading for power bats and promoting prospects like Shaw who profile as cornerstones. Their lineup against Corbin reflects a broader strategy to prioritize run production over defensive polish. ## Sources & Citations - [Chicago Cubs Lineup: Hoerner Batting Second, Shaw Still in Right Field - Bleacher Nation](https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2026/06/20/cubs-lineup-62026/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-20) --- Cite: Cubs lean righty bats, Shaw stays in right vs. Corbin. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/chicago-cubs-lineup-hoerner-batting-second-shaw-still-in-r-f0f42200