Hey, there he is!
Later today, Nick Madrigal will make his Cubbie debut (Cactus League edition) in the starting lineup, leading off and playing second base. I suspect we’ll see that combination a lot this year — at least, against right-handed pitchers — and it works for me.
Madrigal is not the lone regular in the lineup today, however. Willson Contreras and Patrick Wisdom will likely start nearly everyday, while Michael Hermosillo, Jason Heyward, and Alfonso Rivas figure to filter in and out of the lineup as needed. All of the above are in the lineup this afternoon. It’s also another Brennen Davis day, which is always fun. Hopefully, we see him up in Chicago sooner than later.
Also of note, Keegan Thompson is making his first Cactus League appearance this afternoon, as he battles for one of the final two spots in the Cubs rotation. He’s likely starting this competition seeded behind at least Drew Smyly and Alec Mills, but I do believe he can “win” a spot if he looks good enough. But starting or not, Thompson is one of the pitchers expected to get plenty of innings early on, when not everyone is fully ramped up.
Baseball. Everyday. I love it. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (2-2-1) @ Cincinnati Reds (2-1) – Monday, March 21 at 3:05 CT on Marquee
Starting Pitchers
Reds: Graham Ashcraft (R)
versus
Cubs: Keegan Thompson (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Nick Madrigal, 2B
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Jason Heyward, CF
4. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Michael Hermosillo, LF
7. Brennen Davis, RF
8. Narciso Crook, DH
9. Sergio Alcantara, SS
Cincinnati Reds:
1. Tyler Naquin, RF
2. Mike Moustakas, 3B
3. Shogo Akiyama, CF
4. Jake Fraley, LF
5. Colin Moran, 1B
6. Jake Bauers, DH
7. Alejo Lopez, 2B
8. Andrew Knapp, C
9. Miguel Hernandez, SS