NEWSLETTER
Well, we’re here: the final Spring Training game of the season. And it’s another interleague (Cactus and Grapefruit, that is) game against the Boston Red Sox at their Spring Training home in Florida, JetBlue Park.
Jose Quintana is taking the hill for the Cubs in his last start of the spring, but like Yu Darvish last night, you shouldn’t expect him to go more than about 3.0 innings. After today, his next start will be the regular season finale against the Marlins this Sunday. I can’t wait.
Starting opposite Quintana, is the righty, Hector Velazquez, who’s also expected to pitch the fourth game of the season, once things get underway for the Sox.
https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/978378188660322304
As for the Cubs’ lineup, they’re going with mostly regulars, but with a few notable differences. For one, despite the righty on the mound, it’s Albert Almora, not Ian Happ (who could be the everyday leadoff hitter out of the gate), leading off, but I wouldn’t read into it too much. For another, the Cubs are rolling with a DH today, Javy Baez, giving Quintana a breather while sticking Tommy La Stella at second. And finally, Ben Zobrist is spelling Anthony Rizzo at first base (yes, this lineup is laughably deep).
Otherwise, your only need-to-know is that today’s game will be broadcast on ESPN, and if you’re at work/school/performing an operation, you can catch the audio on MLB.com.
It’s the last one before they count, friends. Let’s do it.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ben Zobrist, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, DH
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
Pitcher: Jose Quintana
Boston Red Sox Lineup:Â
- Mookie Betts, R
- J.D. Martinez, DH
- Eduardo Nunez, 2B
- Andrew Benintendi, LF
- Mitch Moreland, 1B
- Christian Vazquez, C
- Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
- Ivan De Jesus Jr., 3B
- Brock Holt, SS
Pitcher: Hector Velazquez
