NEWSLETTER
Later this afternoon, Marcus Stroman will make his second start in a Cubs uniform. And he’ll do so against an A’s lineup featuring old friends Tony Kemp and Billy McKinney, as well as a dude named “Skye Bolt,” which is pretty cool.
But even cooler than Stroman and some old friends across the way, is a return to the lineup for top prospect Brennen Davis, who left yesterday’s game early after being hit on the knee with a pitch. Ditto Ian Happ, who had elbow surgery in mid-February. Both guys could be a big part of the Cubs outfield picture this season, so it’s nice to see them both healthy and in the lineup (more on that here).
Beyond that, Nick Madrigal is getting another shot at leading off (maybe tipping David Ross’ hand a bit?), with Jason Heyward in center and Clint Frazier in left. I wonder if we’ll see more Frazier in left early on, if the Cubs slow play Ian Happ’s return to the field. Interestingly, Patrick Wisdom is playing first today, marking the third straight game without Frank Schwindel in the lineup, but I wouldn’t read too much into that just yet. Could be a million different reasons.
Go Cubs.
Game Info
Oakland Athletics (1-2) at Chicago Cubs (3-2-2) – Wednesday, March 23 at 3:10 CT on Marquee
Starting Pitchers
A’s: Adam Oller (R)
versus
Cubs:Â Marcus Stroman (R)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Nick Madrigal, 2B
2. Jason Heyward, CF
3. Willson Contreras, C
4. Ian Happ, DH
5. Clint Frazier, LF
6. Patrick Wisdom, 1B
7. Nico Hoerner, SS
8. Brennen Davis, RF
9. Ildemaro Vargas, 3B
Oakland Athletics:
1. Tony Kemp, 2B
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. Sean Murphy, C
4. Seth Brown, 1B
5. Chad Pinder, 3B
6. Eric Thames, DH
7. Dalton Kelly, LF
8. Skye Bolt, CF
9. Billy McKinney, RF
