I know it really really really doesn’t matter, but the Cubs are 10-2-2 on the Spring. That’s fun. They just keep on winning and they’ve already outscored their opponents 91-63, including ten games (!) where they’ve scored 6 or more runs.
Again, it’s mostly (if not entirely) meaningless, but they sure are killing it.
Today’s contest features Jon Lester grabbing his third start of the Spring, which means, like Tyler Chatwood yesterday, he’ll probably go at least 3.0 innings (pitch count allowing). So far, Lester has been a wild this Spring, with four walks in his 4.1 innings pitched, but for a veteran like him, it ain’t no thang. Just keep that arm healthy, and we’ll see you on Opening Day in Miami.
Starting opposite Lester is Angels righty Matt Shoemaker. Whether the Angels go with a true five-man rotation this season or not, Shoemaker figures to work in at the back of the starting five.
As for the Cubs lineup today, Jason Heyward is getting another crack at leading off, and he’s followed by Albert Almora, who actually hasn’t gotten a crack at leading off since February 8th, after three quick looks early on. Indeed, this’ll actually be Heyward’s third shot at leading off and his first try since going 0-3 against the D-Backs on Sunday.
Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber follow in the third and fourth hole, but after that it’s bench players and depth-types. This game will be broadcast on MLBTV (Angels stream), but will otherwise be available on 670 The Score.
Here’s your lineups for the 2:05 start time:
Cubs Lineup:
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Albert Almora, CF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Peter Bourjos, RF
- Mike Freeman, SS
- David Bote, 2B
Pitcher: Jon Lester
Angels Lineup:
- David Fletcher, SS
- Luis Valbuena, 3B
- Martin Maldonado, C
- Chris Carter, 1B
- Rymer Liriano, LF
- Eric Young Jr., RF
- Carlos Perez, DH
- Kaleb Cowart, 2B
- Michael Hermosillo, CF
Pitcher: Matt Shoemaker.