The Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field to face the Houston Astros in the series finale, looking to avoid a sweep and snap a seven-game losing streak.
Chicago is coming off a 3–0 defeat and will once again be without outfielder Ian Happ, who has now missed back-to-back games during the skid.
The Cubs released their Sunday lineup featuring Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, Nico Hoerner at shortstop, Michael Busch at first base, Alex Bregman at third, Michael Conforto in left, Seiya Suzuki in right, Moisés Ballesteros as designated hitter, Carson Kelly at catcher, and Palacios Ramírez at second, with Shota Imanaga starting on the mound.
Happ’s absence has been described as a brief mental reset. Manager Craig Counsell reportedly encouraged him to step away temporarily, with expectations that he could return in the next series against Pittsburgh.
Happ has struggled throughout May, batting just .188 for the month with 34 strikeouts and six RBIs. On the season, he is hitting .214 with 10 home runs, 35 runs scored, and 20 RBIs in 49 games. While his overall numbers remain close to career norms, his recent slump has been difficult.
After Friday’s loss, Happ avoided discussing lineup changes directly, deferring to the manager’s decisions while still expressing belief that the team would recover.
Fan reactions online have been mixed, with frustration growing over his recent performances and some calling for more significant roster changes, while others point to the broader struggles across the lineup.
Despite the criticism and the losing streak, the Cubs are focused on trying to regroup before heading to Pittsburgh for their next series.