The Cubs have a couple of games today, but the early one’s got all the everyday players *and* it’ll be televised on WGN. Score.
Jose Quintana is starting for the Cubs in Game 1 (versus the Rangers) and he’ll be backed by an unusual infield, with David Bote at third, Javy Baez at short, Trent Giambrone at second base, and Ben Zobrist at first. I find it odd that Giambrone is playing second base *in this game*, given that Ian Happ is playing second base in the night contest with fewer roster-locked players, but maybe there’s a reason for it beyond which we can see. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter, I guess, but it’s just a curious choice. Why not keep as many of the regulars together as possible? If Happ really is going to be playing second this year, you’d think you’d want him to get reps with Baez at short.
I guess he’ll get to practice with Addison Russell at short, but Russell can’t be the everyday shortstop until his 29-game suspension is served, and even then he might not dethrone Baez.
It’s worth noting that the pitcher is – once again – batting eighth today, which has been a bit of a trend lately. I still don’t know which way Joe Maddon is leaning during the regular season, but he’s clearly doing it a lot of late.
Duane Underwood Jr. is getting a chance to start in the second game today, and although the Cubs backup catcher, Victor Caratini, is starting in this contest, he’ll actually be paired with Taylor Davis behind the plate (Caratini is starting at first).
We are less than a week away from the regular season, so hang in there! And, as always, go Cubs!
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (15-11) vs. Texas Rangers (12-14) – Friday, March 22nd at 3:05 CT on WGN, audio on MLB.com
Chicago Cubs (15-11) at Cleveland Indians (14-12) – Friday, March 22nd at 8:05 CT on MLBTV (Indians broadcast), audio on 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Rangers: Zach McAllister (R)
versus
Cubs: Jose Quintana (L)
Cubs: Duane Underwood Jr. (R)
versus
Indians: Corey Kluber (R)
Cubs Lineup vs. Rangers
- Ben Zobrist, 1B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javier Baez, SS
- David Bote, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Albert Almora, CF
- Jose Quintana, P
- Trent Giambrone, 2B
Cubs Lineup v. Indians
- Christhian Adames, 3B
- Addison Russsell, SS
- Ian Happ, 2B
- Mark Zagunis, RF
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Johnny Field, LF
- Evan Marzilli, CF
- Taylor Davis, C
- Jared Young, DH