Happ returns for Cubs, but Pederson hits leadoff
Ian Happ was activated from the injured list and started in center field on Saturday. He'd been sidelined with bruised ribs since the outfield collision with Nico Hoerner in Cincinnati on May 2.
But Joc Pederson was in the leadoff spot and Happ hit No. 6, which manager David Ross explained before the contest.
"I think it's just who's swinging the bat best," Ross said. "You want to put your best hitters at the top. I think for me, easing Happer back into it makes some sense, but Joc at the top looks good right now and we'll ride that. If things change, we'll mix it up. Both the guys are willing and able to man that spot."
When Pederson opened Saturday's game with a triple, he ran his hot streak to 16 for 28 at the plate, going back to a single against the Dodgers on May 5.
"I like his ability to get on base. He's a sparkplug," Ross said. "I think his at-bats have been great - using all fields, lefties, righties. He seems to be extremely comfortable and timed up versus both. So I've loved the ability to not punch out, to get on base, hitting the ball the other way as good as I've seen him. All the things that come with a good baseball player."
Happ talked about his return before the game and said he's OK with not batting leadoff, a role he assumed early last year after a hot start at the plate.
"We actually had a conversation about it a few weeks ago while he was on the injured list," Happ said of Pederson. "It's something he's done for a long time. He grew up leading off, he led off in the minor leagues, he led off a bunch with the Dodgers. So he has a lot of experience with it. I think it's something he enjoys
"He has the right mindset for it where he wants those 5 at-bats every day. He's a positive guy that doesn't really get down on himself when things aren't going well and he's really good at being able to use the whole field and has a good eye as well. He checks a lot of boxes in that role."
In other words, Happ is fine with staying deeper in the order. Things figure to change frequently, since Kris Bryant has been playing mostly in the outfield lately.
"It's not something I think about much," Happ said. "However Rossy writes the lineup up. If I'm in the middle of the order, I'm very happy there. I love hitting in the 5-6 hole, being able to drive in runs."
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