The Cubs are back it again today, after their offensive onslaught (with 16 runs!) against the Mariners on Monday. David Ross is back from the flu to manage his first game ever, and the first locked member of the Cubs rotation, Jon Lester, gets his 2020 debut.
Lester, like Alec Mills, Tyler Chatwood, and Adbert Alzolay before him, will likely throw only one inning, so let’s just hope he looks healthy and strong and not worry about anything else.
Offensively, Ian Happ is back atop the Cubs lineup. And as the only other guy who’s led off this spring besides Kris Bryant, I don’t think that’s a coincidence (with switch-hitting abilities, speed, and usually good on-base skills, Happ has leadoff hitter written into his future, in my opinion). He’s followed by fellow regulars Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras, and Jason Heyward.
But the most notable part of the Cubs lineup today is the infield/second base battle. All of David Bote, Daniel Descalso, Jason Kipnis, Hernan Perez, and Robel Garcia are vying for either the starting second base job right out of camp or at least a utility infield role on the newly expanded 26-man rosters. Obviously, nothing will be decided today, but their collective presence in the lineup is worth pointing out.
Let’s go Cubs.
Game Info
Colorado Rockies (1-1) at Chicago Cubs (2-1) – Tuesday, February 25th at 2:05 CT on Marquee Sports Network (if you get it!)
Starting Pitchers
Rockies: Wes Parsons (R)
versus
Cubs: Jon Lester (L)
Chicago Cubs:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- David Bote, DH
- Daniel Descalso, 3B
- Jason Kipnis, 2B
- Hernan Perez, SS
- Robel Garcia, 1B
Colorado Rockies:
- David Dahl, CF
- Ian Desmond, LF
- Trevor Story, SS
- Ryan McMahon, 1B
- Elias Diaz, DH
- Garrett Hampson, 2B
- Yonathan Daza, RF
- Josh Fuentes, 3B
- Drew Butera, C