Chicago Cubs Make Ian Happ Announcement on Wednesday

The Chicago Cubs head into Wednesday night’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves looking to split a three-game set at Wrigley Field after a frustrating Tuesday defeat.

Atlanta scored six unanswered runs in the later innings to steal the middle game, leaving the Cubs with a slim half-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the top National League Wild Card spot as September play tightens.

Before first pitch of the rubber match, Chicago released its lineup and the most notable name was Ian Happ, who returns to his familiar fifth spot after sitting out of Tuesday’s starting nine, via Underdog MLB.

Happ did appear as a pinch-hitter in that loss, but manager Craig Counsell has him back in left field against Braves starter and opposite Chicago’s Shota Imanaga.

The rest of the order shows a few other adjustments: Pete Crow-Armstrong leads off in center, Seiya Suzuki hits second in right, Michael Busch bats third at first base, and Alex Bregman slides into the cleanup spot at third. Nico Hoerner follows Happ at shortstop, Michael Conforto occupies the designated-hitter role, Pablo Ramírez starts at second, and Carson Kelly catches.

Those tweaks push Tyrone Taylor out of the starting nine for the night. The Cubs clearly want Happ’s bat in the middle of the order as they try to generate more consistent offense after Tuesday’s late collapse.

Happ has been a near-everyday presence this season, appearing in 146 games. His numbers sit at a .218 batting average with 23 home runs, 25 doubles, 65 RBI and 84 runs scored.

His 2.6 bWAR and 102 OPS+ place him just above league average offensively while he continues to provide value in the outfield.

With the 2026 season winding down, Happ will become a free agent this winter, giving general manager Jed Hoyer a significant offseason decision about whether to keep the veteran in Chicago or look elsewhere.

Wednesday’s game carries extra weight for a Cubs club still fighting for playoff positioning. A win would give them the series and a little extra breathing room in the Wild Card race.

Happ’s return to the starting lineup is one of the clearer signals that Chicago wants its most experienced left-handed bat in the middle of the order for a night that could shape the final weeks of the regular season.

The Cubs and Braves close out their series under the Wrigley lights with both clubs still having something to play for.

For Chicago, putting Happ back in the fifth spot is a straightforward attempt to stabilize the middle of the lineup after a disappointing Tuesday and keep their slim Wild Card edge intact.