NEWSLETTER
Today, the Chicago Cubs will play yet another Spring contest at their home field, Sloan Park, but, unfortunately, it will once again not be televised.
And even more unfortunately, Yu Darvish will not be making his Cubs debut, as expected, after coming down with some sort of illness (stomach bug). I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it was the same thing Kris Bryant has been dealing with, and maybe even the rest of the league:
about half the 29 flu-ridden dodgers out yesterday have returned today. seager, bellinger & most of the northwest wall in the clubhouse got the bug. hard to believe, it even felled utley. they sanitized the place. might have to discourage high fives for the week though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 1, 2018
On the bright side, Darvish was able to throw a bullpen session, take batting practice, and even take some (just for fun?) hacks from the left side of the plate. Hopefully, he rests up and makes his next start without a hitch.
Replacing him on the mound today is right-hander Alec Mills, who could be considered among the first arms up during the regular season, if/when someone from the starting five goes down with an injury.
As for the position players, Ian Happ leads off again today (will he hit ANOTHER leadoff homer?!) and is followed by Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras, and Ian Happ.
Here’s the rest of the Cubs lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Victor Caratini, DH
- Efren Navarro, 1B
- Mark Zagunis, RF
- Mike Freeman, 2B
- Chesny Young, SS
Pitcher: Alec Mills
And the Rockies lineup, complete with their up-and-coming third baseman, Nolan Arenado. If he keeps it up, he might one day be almost half as good as Tommy La Stella:
https://twitter.com/Rockies/status/969286398271344640
