The Cubs had no game yesterday, so they’re doubling up on contests today. Lucky us!
First, in the afternoon, the Cubs are hosting the Seattle Mariners at Sloan Park, but sadly, Ichiro will not be there. He’s already in Japan preparing for the Mariners Opening Day contest against the A’s ON THURSDAY! And by the looks of it, he’s ready:
Ichiro is 45, and You STILL CANNOT RUN ON HIM https://t.co/TFR1c6R2fj pic.twitter.com/BDFC9iV6lz
— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) March 18, 2019
That lineup features a whole cast of everyday starters plus Yu Darvish on the mound. It also features Ian Happ in center field, not Albert Almora, who was relegated to Game 2.
That second contest, against the Royals on the road, has a few more second-stringers and roster hopefuls, but it’s not like we won’t see Almora, Addison Russell, Victor Caratini, or David Bote throughout the year (Cristhian Adames, too), anyway. Thomas Hatch is starting for the Cubs in that one.
Enjoy your afternoon/evening of baseball. I know I will.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (14-10) vs. Seattle Mariners (8-8) – Tuesday, March 19th at 3:05, audio on MLB.com
Chicago Cubs (14-10) at Kansas City Royals (13-12) – Tuesday, March 19th at 8:05 CT, MLB.TV (Royals broadcast), audio on 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Cubs vs. Mariners: Yu Darvish (R)
Cubs at Royals: Thomas Hatch (R)
Cubs vs. Mariners
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ian Happ, CF
- Yu Darvish, P
Cubs at Royals
- Albert Almora, CF
- Cristhian Adames, 3B
- David Bote, 2B
- Victor Caratini, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jim Adduci, 1B
- Johnny Field, LF
- Mark Zagunis, RF
- Jared Young, DH