John Lackey will get his biggest stretch-out start today (in theory) against the Giants at Sloan Park. On the other side? Old friend, Jeff Samardzija. There’s a bit of a connection between the two, because some offseason rumors, and later comments by Samardzija, made it seem like the Cubs tried to get Samardzija back on the kind of deal they ultimately made with Lackey.
The Cubs faced Samardzija in Spring Training almost a year ago to the day, and they went off.
A number of regulars get the day off today, which opens up the top of the order for Addison Russell to bat second. It also opens up another start for Jeimer Candelario at third, and Munenori Kawasaki at second.
Today’s game will be broadcast on WGN-9 and MLB Network. Additional video and audio of the game will also be made available on MLB.tv or through the AtBat app. For future reference, you can check which games will be televised here.
Today’s lineup vs. the Giants (Jeff Samardzija)
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Miguel Montero, C
- Jeimer Candelario, 3B
- Munenori Kawasaki, 2B
- Jesus Guzman, 1B
- John Lackey, P