The Chicago Cubs are heading to Surprise(!), Arizona today to take on the Rangers at their ballpark. As expected, the Ian Happ-led crew is once again following the Kris Bryant-led group. But like yesterday, a few players are participating in both lineups.
For example, Nico Hoerner is back in there for the second straight game, and has actually appeared in all but three games so far this spring. Whether that’s an effort to see if he’s actually ready to break camp with the big league team or just a natural schedule to which we’re paying extra close attention because of his position and potential upside, I’m not yet sure. All signs point to him having a chance to be with Chicago on Opening Day, but I still think he’ll start the year out in Iowa.
Today, he’ll get in some work at shortstop, where he’s likely the primary backup to Javy Baez, regardless of where he opens up the season.
On the pitching side, Colin Rea is taking the mound as the affirmative underdog for the fifth starter spot behind Tyler Chatwood, Alec Mills, and Adbert Alzolay. I think it’ll be quite difficult for Rea to win the job out of spring training, but I don’t doubt we’ll see him in Chicago (in whatever capacity) at some point this year.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (3-2) at Texas Rangers (2-3) – Thursday, February 27th at 2:05 CT on Marquee Sports Network (if you get it!)
Starting Pitchers
Rangers: Tyler Phillips (R)
versus
Cubs: Colin Rea (R)
Chicago Cubs:
- Ian Happ, CF
- David Bote, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Josh Phegley, C
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Hernan Perez, 1B
- Ian Miller, RF
- P.J. Higgins, DH
Texas Rangers:
- Elvis Andrus, SS
- Nick Solak, CF
- Joey Gallo, RF
- Todd Frazier, 3B
- Rougned Odor, 2B
- Greg Bird, 1B
- Sam Huff, C
- Adolis Garcia, LF
- Henry Ramos, DH