The Cubs are back at Sloan Park today, with Trevor Williams on the mound against the Rockies. Williams won’t bat for himself, however, as the Cubs are electing to roll with the DH, which throws their lineup for a (purposeful) loop.
Jason Heyward is taking DH duties for the afternoon tilt, which leaves Joc Pederson to handle right field, pushing Ian Happ to left, and Jake Marisnick to center. The Cubs are also giving Nico Hoerner the day off at second base, where Eric Sogard continues to battle for a spot on the potentially very tight bench.
Pederson is also the latest lab rat bat to hit second in David Ross’ lineup – a spot seemingly open to one of Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo, or Joc Pederson to start the year. Since we know Ross likes to keep his lineup relatively stable once he picks it (at least compared to Joe Maddon), now’s the time to experiment.
Either way, I’d expect Ian Happ to remain at leadoff, Kris Bryant to bat third, Javy Baez to hit sixth, Jason Heyward to hit seventh, and Nico Hoerner to hit eighth or ninth, depending on where the pitcher falls.
Oh, and in case you missed it, today’s game will feature a bit of history:
Beth Mowins will be the first woman to call play-by-play for the Cubs on Saturday. Learn more about her process for prepping for games, how she started doing play-by-play riding her Big Wheels around the neighborhood, her favorite Cubs’ players and more. https://t.co/1Wew7hVwt8
— Sara Sanchez (@BCB_Sara) March 19, 2021
Game Info
Colorado Rockies (9-8) at Chicago Cubs (10-5) – Saturday, March 20th, at 3:05 CT on Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Rockies: Austin Gomber (R)
versus
Cubs: Trevor Williams (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Joc Pederson, RF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Javy Baez, SS
7. Jason Heyward, DH
8. Eric Sogard, 2B
9. Jake Marisnick, CF
Colorado Rockies:
1. Chris Owings, 2B
2. Ryan McMahon, 3B
3. Trevor Story, SS
4. Greg Bird, 1B
5. Elias Diaz, C
6. Sam Hilliard, RF
7. Yonathan Daza, LF
8. Garrett Hampson, CF
9. Austin Gomber, P