Eric Jokisch starts again for the big team, even though he was already cut from camp. Given that Jon Lester is due to start a minor league game today, and the big league opener in five days, you can probably do the math on why Jokisch is starting today. (And, if you can’t do the math, I’m speculating that the Cubs are keeping their schedules the same just in case they need an emergency option in the form of Jokisch on Opening Night.)
Today’s game is not on any of the Chicago stations, but the Rangers are carrying the game on their local TV deal … which means you can watch on MLB.tv if you have it.
Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Welington Castillo, C
- Mike Olt, 3B
- Matt Szczur, LF
- Eric Jokisch, P
- Arismendy Alcantara, 2B
If the Cubs were facing a lefty in the early going, I could totally see that as the actual lineup. And I like it.
Once again, by the way, the catcher is in the 5-hole, immediately after Starlin Castro. If that’s Miguel Montero in a regular lineup, and if Chris Coghlan is playing left, the Cubs would be going switch-right-left-right-left-right-left-pitcher-switch. Basically perfect balance.