The Cubs are playing another late-one tonight – 9:05 CT start time – as they plan to host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park.
Cole Hamels is starting for the Cubs tonight, and, notably, he’ll be batting eighth. It’s possible that his position in the lineup means nothing – this could make pinch hitting for him sooner a bit easier – but the other Cubs pitchers have mostly batted ninth this Spring, when they’ve batted for themselves at all. On top of that, Maddon does have a history of batting pitchers eighth, so I guess let’s just see what happens during the last week or so. Maybe Joe hasn’t decided which way he wants to go just yet.
As for the Cubs lineup, it’s looking like a very real, regular season group. Among the more mobile choices, you’ll find Ben Zobrist at second, Kyle Schwarber in left, and Ian Happ in center. The Dodgers are countering with most of their regulars, as well.
I can’t say I’ll stay up for all of this one, but I will say “Go Cubs.”
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (15-11) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (12-11) – Wednesday, March 20th at 9:05 on MLBN, MLBTV, audio on MLB.com
Starting Pitchers
Dodgers: Dustin May (R)
versus
Cubs: Cole Hamels (L)
Los Angeles Dodgers:
- A.J. Pollock, CF
- Justin Turner, 3B
- Corey Seager, SS
- Enrique Hernandez, 2B
- Cody Bellinger, RF
- Chris Taylor, LF
- Austin Barnes, C
- Edwin Rios, 1B
- Dustin May, P
Chicago Cubs:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Cole Hamels, P
- Ian Happ, CF