Jake Arrieta makes his Spring Training debut today, as the Cubs head to Tempe to face the Angels.
Here’s the Cubs’ lineup (via Carrie Muskat):
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Willson Contreras, DH
- Albert Almora, CF
- Munenori Kawasaki, SS
- Carlos Corporan, C
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Anthony Rizzo is back from his back tightness episode of late last week, which is good to see. Addison Russell, however, is not back yet after being scratched from yesterday’s lineup (hit by pitch the day before just above the left elbow). I am not aware of any long-term concerns just yet, though, and it wouldn’t be unusual for Russell to sit the day after a start anyway.
Kyle Schwarber leads off for the first time in a Spring lineup that also features Jason Heyward. The top of the lineup is a little more what we expect to see when the season opens up, and then Heyward comes in at number five, presumably only to be a little higher in the order today for the purposes of an extra at bat. Heyward is still looking for his first Spring hit, though I’m starting to hope he doesn’t get one all Spring, but maintains his confidence and new swing, and then absolutely destroys it this year, in an obvious flaunt to all things Spring Training. Actually, you know what? Just the second part. The absolutely destroying it this season. That part. Just do that part.
The game is at 2pm CT, and we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.
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