The Chicago Cubs are back on Marquee Sports Network today, with an afternoon matchup against the Texas Rangers at Sloan Park. Zach Davies will take the mound for his second start of the spring, and he’ll do so with a lineup loaded with regulars.
If my memory serves, this is the first Cubs starting lineup of the spring with both Ian Happ and Anthony Rizzo in there. Both hitters have taken turns leading off this month, but as expected Happ gets the nod over Rizzo when both are playing (that tracks with the hints from David Ross this morning). Without Willson Contreras behind the plate, it’s still too early to tell who’ll immediately follow Happ this season, but for today, Rizzo bats second.
Elsewhere in the lineup, Javy Baez starts at DH, opening up shortstop for Nico Hoerner, who adds a lot of value to the roster by being able to capably cover that position in Baez’s absence. Other than that, Joc Pederson is out in left field, where he continues to grow comfortable with outfield mate, Ian Happ, and that’s about it. Spring Training rolls on into a new week. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Texas Rangers (3-2) at Chicago Cubs (4-2) – Monday, March 8th, at 2:05 CT
Starting Pitchers
Rangers: Kohei Arihara (R)
versus
Cubs: Zach Davies (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Joc Pederson, LF
5. Javy Baez, DH
6. David Bote, 2B
7. Nico Hoerner, SS
8. Ildemaro Vargas, RF
9. P.J. Higgins, C
Texas Rangers:
1. Leody Taveras, CF
2. Nick Solak, 2B
3. Willie Calhoun, LF
4. David Dahl, DH
5. Ronald Guzman, RF
6. Jose Trevino, C
7. Nate Lowe, 1B
8. Charlie Culberson, SS
9. Andy Ibañez, 3B