Pre-Gamin’: Diamondbacks at Cubs (2:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

Later today, the Cubs will host the Diamondbacks at Sloan Park and they’ll do so with a host of regulars. In fact, a first glance at the lineup looks like something you might actually see during the regular season.

Of course, there are a lot of caveats to that. For one, the Cubs won’t often get the benefit of a DH, which would push Javy Baez back into the shortstop role. For another, that spot is currently filled by Addison Russell, but he’ll miss the first 29 games of the season thanks to a suspension for domestic violence. For yet another, Victor Caratini may steal some starts behind the plate, sure, but Willson Contreras will start more often than not and when he is in the lineup, figures to bat much higher than 8th/9th.

And for the third time this Spring, no, I don’t think Jason Heyward leading off has much to do with a plan for the season. Instead, Joe Maddon is likely trying to maximize his at-bats before being removed from the game.

But still … dude. Today’s game will feature Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber and so many other Cubs we’ll expect to see almost every day this season. That’s kinda rare this early in Spring Training, so be sure to enjoy it.

Perhaps the most important starter of the day, however, is the one taking the mound for the Cubs. Yu Darvish is making his first start of the Spring, and you’ll forgive me if I’m nervous. I know Darvish is supposed to be healthy, but I can’t shake the image of him walking off the mound in South Bend when his second attempted comeback didn’t work out. In that one, mind you, Darvish came out firing bullets, finished the first inning, and wasn’t removed until he started warming up for the second inning.

Depending on what the plan is today, let’s hope he get throw a couple, sit down, and get back out there one more time without issue. If that happens, I don’t care what else goes on in terms of results. Just stay healthy, my man. We need ya this year.

The Cubs have won three of their first four games and are looking to make it to four today. There’s no TV today, but the audio will be available on MLB.com.

Game Info

Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1) at Chicago Cubs (3-1) – Tuesday, February 26th at 2:05 CT on 670 The Score

Starting Pitchers

Diamondbacks: (R): Zack Godley

versus

Cubs: (R): Yu Darvish

Arizona Diamondbacks:

1. Socrates Brito, CF
2. Kelby Tomlinson, 3B
3. Wilmer Flores, 2B
4. Christian Walker, 1B
5. Steven Souza Jr., DH
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Yasmany Tomas, RF
8. Jazz Chisholm, SS
9. Rob Refsnyder, LF

Chicago Cubs:

1. Jason Heyward, RF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Javier Baez, DH
5. Kyle Schwarber, LF
6. Daniel Descalso, 2B
7. Albert Almora Jr., CF
8. Addison Russell, SS
9. Victor Caratini, C