The Cubs continue their quest to win the Cactus League (it doesn’t matter, of course, but actually … I kinda want to see it now. When was the last time they did that?), today hosting the Padres, who will presumably not sign Jake Arrieta in time for the game.
Tyler Chatwood makes the start for the Cubs, with Mike Montgomery, Justin Wilson, and Justin Grimm all expected to also see time on the mound.
What I notice right away about the lineup is that it has become very consistent on these “regulars” days, with Happ leading off ahead of Bryant and Rizzo. When he’s in, Willson Contreras has typically been fourth, with Heyward, Russell, and Baez following in that order. It’s not hard to imagine an Opening Day lineup that follow that pattern, but with Kyle Schwarber batting fifth in left field behind Contreras, and the other three bumped down a spot.
The game is not being televised, but the audio will be available via Cubs.com and the Gameday App.
Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Victor Caratini, C
- David Bote, DH
Pitcher: Tyler Chatwood
Padres Lineup:
Taking on the Cubs in Mesa at 12:05pm PT today with Jordan Lyles on the hill! Here’s the full lineup: pic.twitter.com/pwqwCIabzG
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 8, 2018