Cubs Adjust Lineup Ahead of Game Against Pirates

Pittsburgh, PA — The Chicago Cubs are making strategic changes to their batting order as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. Manager Craig Counsell shifted shortstop Dansby Swanson down the lineup in hopes of rejuvenating the struggling offense.

This adjustment comes as the Cubs began their road trip against National League Central rivals, emphasizing the importance of optimizing their lineup. Swanson, who has had a slow start to the season with a batting average of just .181, moved from the No. 5 spot he has held since the U.S. opener, to lower in the order.

In contrast, catcher Carson Kelly, who has been a surprise standout this season, was placed in the cleanup position against Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney. Kelly is enjoying a remarkable season thus far, posting a .341 average with six home runs and 18 RBIs over 15 games.

“Yeah, I think really mainly we just decided to move Dansby in the order for now and really flip-flop him and Carson, essentially, is how I see it,” Counsell explained. “With some of the history of Heaney, that’s what put Michael Busch in the lineup a little bit. But just acknowledging what Carson’s done to this point and how well he’s swung the bat.”

As the Cubs have maintained a consistent lineup throughout early 2025, the moves sent ripples through the team’s batting order. The first seven hitters had remained unchanged in nearly every game. The Cubs are, however, prepared to adapt depending on each opponent’s starting pitcher.

“We’ll just try to get him in one of those good stretches,” Counsell said about Swanson. Despite struggling offensively, Couonsell praised his stellar defensive performance. Swanson’s ability to carry a team during his good stretches remains a hopeful prospect for the Cubs moving forward.

Last season, Swanson contributed significantly, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 66 runs, showcasing his potential to be a critical player for the team.