CHICAGO – Stuck in a slump, manager Dale Sveum gave first baseman Anthony Rizzo a game off tonight versus the Milwaukee Brewers.
Sveum hopes Rizzo a mental break will help Rizzo bounce back. Rizzo is hitting .240 in August, including a rough stretch this week. In his last seven games, Rizzo struck out 10 times in 25 at-bats while sporting a .200 average. Bryan LaHair makes only his second start at first base since June 20.
Jeff Samardzija (8-11, 4.09 ERA) starts for the Cubs and right-hander Mike Fiers (7-6, 2.98) takes the mound for Milwaukee.
Darwin Barney can break the single-season errorless streak at second base tonight. He's currently tied with San Diego's David Eckstein, having gone 113 games without an error at second base. Barney last committed an error at second base on April 13 at Miami. Placido Polanco owns the single-season record at second base which he set in 2007 after going 141 games without an error.
Brewers starting lineup
1. Norichika Aoki, CF
2. Rickie Weeks, 2B
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Corey Hart, 1B
6. Jonathan Lucroy, C
7. Nyjer Morgan, RF
8. Jean Segura, SS
9. Mike Fiers, P
Cubs starting lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Luis Valbuena, 3B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Bryan LaHair, 1B
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Brett Jackson, CF
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P
-- Meghan Montemurro
