CUBS BASEBALL!
The Chicago Cubs are kicking off their Cactus League schedule against the San Diego Padres today, and Kyle Hendricks will take the mound in his 2021 debut. But take note, this game will not be televised *and* it will be only seven innings long (part of the healthy and safety protocols for 2021). So I wouldn’t expect Hendricks to get in more than an inning of work.
Following Hendricks, you can expect to see some combination of Shelby Miller, Tyson Miller, Joe Biagini, Rex Brothers, Brendon Little, and Trevor Megill in relief – probably for an inning each. Considering how few locks there are in the Cubs Opening Day bullpen, that important battle begins today and will be worth following closely throughout the month. You can read more about The Massively Massive Chicago Cubs Bullpen Competition right here.
Meanwhile, Chris Paddack is starting opposite Hendricks this afternoon, and he’ll throw to our old friend Victor Caratini, who went over to San Diego in the Yu Darvish trade this winter. In case you’re wondering, it looks like Darvish won’t get his first Padres start until at least Thursday.
You might also recognize the Padres 2020 first-round pick, Robert Hassell, getting a taste of big league action today, after being selected 8th overall last summer, which is fun. The Padres have high expectations for the 19-year-old outfielder (who was often connected to the Cubs, you’ll recall), though I doubt we see him in the big leagues anytime soon.
The offseason may have been bumpy, 2021 spring baseball may be weird, and this game won’t be televised, but gosh darn it … Cubs baseball is back. And that makes me very happy.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (0-0) at San Diego Padres (0-0) – Monday, March 1st, at 2:10 CT
Starting Pitchers
Padres: Chris Paddack (R)
versus
Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (R)
Chicago Cubs (Discussion Here):
1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Joc Pederson, LF
4. Javy Baez, SS
5. Cameron Maybin, RF
6. David Bote, 2B
7. Ildemaro Vargas, 3B
8. Ian Miller, CF
9. P.J. Higgins, DH
San Diego Padres:
1. Tommy Pham, DH
2. Eric Hosmer, 1B
3. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
4. Victor Caratini, C
5. Nick Tanielu, 3B
6. Jorge Mateo, CF
7. CJ Abrams, 2B
8. Robert Hassell, RF
9. Tucapita Marcano, LF