NEWSLETTER
First thing’s first … Happy Jake Day! (Ah … it still feels good to say that again). Now on with the rest of the Pre-Gamin’.
***
Well, I probably should’ve known better, but after rolling with the expected Opening Day Lineup last night, David Ross and the Cubs are going with the “all-backups” crew this afternoon:
Here is today's #Cubs lineup! pic.twitter.com/2V7jrA9v4L
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 18, 2021
Speaking of backups, we’re seeing more and more of P.J. Higgins behind the plate, while the nominal backup catcher, Austin Romine, continues to rehab an injured knee. And you have to wonder if we’re reaching the point where the Cubs are eying Higgins as the opening day backup. He’s not the all-around catcher Romine is, but Higgins’ bat and versatility is a nice silver lining. Even still, I think we’re all hoping Romine is back soon. Depth is important.
Beyond that, Eric Sogard is getting another shot at leading off, which, if he makes the team, might be something he does on days when Ian Happ (and Anthony Rizzo?) takes a rest. And speaking of Happ’s rest days, Jake Marisnick, the “fourth” outfielder, is taking his place in center field, batting third.
Jake Arrieta is out there on the mound and batting for himself. So let’s go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (8-5) at Cleveland Indians (7-10) – Thursday, March 18th, at 3:05 CT on MLB Network
Starting Pitchers
Indians: Zach Plesac (R)
versus
Cubs: Jake Arrieta (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Eric Sogard, SS
2. David Bote, 2B
3. Jake Marisnick, CF
4. Cameron Maybin, RF
5. Ildemaro Vargas, 3B
6. Matt Duffy, 1B
7. Rafael Ortega, LF
8. P.J. Higgins, C
9. Jake Arrieta, P
Cleveland Indians
1. Amed Rosario, CF
2. Brandon Zimmer, DH
3. Ben Gamel, LF
4. Bobby Bradley, 1B
5. Yu Chang, 3B
6. Daniel Johnson, RF
7. Owen Miller, 2B
8. Tyler Freeman, SS
9. Austin Hedges, C
