Because today’s Spring Training contest was a rare Cactus League night-game, Brett hit you with a mid-season-form lineup post earlier this morning, and I’m here for your game-thread, pitching matchups, and broadcast info right now. #teamwork.
Jose Quintana is making his second start of the spring this evening, something Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, and Tyler Chatwood have each already accomplished, which means you might see him go longer than just an inning or two – Hendricks got three in his second start, for example.
And when he takes the mound, Hendricks will be squaring up against drone-man, himself, Trevor Bauer. Bauer posted his first 3.0+ WAR season in 2017, with an impressive 26.2% strikeout rate over 176.1 innings pitched, and is now entering just his age 27-season. He’s still under contract for three more years, but if he keeps putting up seasons like the one he did last year, he might be in store for a big contract when he hits free agency as (barely) a 30-year-old. But enough about him.
Tonight’s game is going to be broadcast by WGN (if you’re in Chicago (MLBTV if you’re not)), though there aren’t many regulars in the lineup. Fortunately, Ian Happ is leading off again, which means you’ll get to see at least one homer and probably another extra-base hit or two.
So kick back, take it easy, crack open something cold, and watch a little baseball on this hot Wednesday evening (in Arizona).
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, DH
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Albert Almora, CF
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Efren Navarro, 1B
- Peter Bourjos, RF
- Ryan Court, 2B
- Mike Freeman, SS
Pitcher: Kyle Hendricks
Cleveland Indians Lineup:
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Jason Kipnis, 2B
- Jose Ramirez, 3B
- Edwin Encarnacion, DH
- Yonder Alonso, 1B
- Lonnie Chisenhall, RF
- Yan Gomes, C
- Bradley Zimmer, CF
- Melvin Upton Jr., LF
Pitcher: Trevor Bauer