It’s a week of firsts!
On Monday, we got our first Cubs action of the spring. On Tuesday, we got our first televised Cubs Cactus League action. And today, we get our first look at Zach Davies in a Cubs uniform.
Davies, 28, came over to the Cubs this offseason in the Yu Darvish deal and is coming off a pretty fantastic season (in terms of results) in 2020: 2.73 ERA over 12 starts and 69.1 IP. Davies, like much of the Cubs rotation, doesn’t throw hard and pitches to contact, but he’s had plenty of success throughout his career. Let’s hope he looks good and healthy today ahead of a big walk-year performance for the Cubs in 2021.
As for the lineup, David Ross is going with a bunch of regulars today, including Anthony Rizzo leading off for the second time this spring (albeit both lineups were without the expected leadoff man Ian Happ). Rizzo is followed by Contreras, Bryant, Pederson, Baez, and Heyward, much as I suspect he may be in the regular season.
In Happ’s absence, Cameron Maybin is getting the start in center field, but Jake Marisnick is probably the de facto backup center fielder in Happ’s absence (Jason Heyward and Nico Hoerner might also be able to cover in a pinch … fortunately Wrigley Field’s center field is pretty small).
Beyond that, David Bote draws the start at second base and that’s about it!
I’ve heard of like three guys in the Mariners lineup, and go Cubs!
Game Info
Seattle Mariners (1-1) at Chicago Cubs (2-0) – Wednesday, March 3rd, at 2:10 CT on Marquee Sports Network
Starting Pitchers
Mariners: Ljay Newsome (R)
versus
Cubs: Zach Davies (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Joc Pederson, LF
5. Javy Baez, SS
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Cameron Maybin, CF
8. David Bote, 2B
9. Nick Martini, DH
Seattle Mariners:
1. Dylan Moore, 2B
2. Kyle Lewis, CF
3. Ty France, 3B
4. Jose Marmolejos, 1B
5. Cal Raleigh, C
6. Jarred Kelenic, DH
7. Jake Fraley, RF
8. Taylor Trammell, LF
9. Donovan Walton, SS