NEWSLETTER
We’ve got a couple of lefties on the mound this afternoon, with Drew Smyly (Cubs) and Marco Gonzales (Mariners) squaring up at Sloan Park. Smyly signed on for his second stint with the Cubs this winter and has a pretty direct path to a rotation spot with Wade Miley delayed and no sure-things in the starting five after Marcus Stroman and Kyle Hendricks.
Today marks Smyly’s second start of the spring. He tossed 2.0 scoreless innings in his first game, with a couple of strike outs and just one hit.
Meanwhile, the Cubs lineup is beginning to take shape a bit here lately, with a few key hints early on in the order. For example, it’s certainly starting to feel like Nick Madrigal (leadoff) and Seiya Suzuki (batting second) are good bets to lead the Cubs lineup come opening day, with Frank Schwindel and Willson Contreras batting 3-4 (in either order) thereafter. Beyond that there’s a whole lot of uncertainty depending on who’s pitching/playing, but I think the top-4 is mostly settled.
Nico Hoerner continues to get some leash at shortstop with Andrelton Simmons healing up, and Jonathan Villar takes over for Patrick Wisdom at third. Jason Heyward is getting a start against a lefty in center field today … for god knows what reason (just play Michael Hermosillo in center against all lefties) … and Clint Frazier takes left with Ian Happ at DH.
We’re 8 days away from Opening Day! Go Cubs.
Game Info
Seattle Mariners (5-4) at Chicago Cubs (7-4-3) – Wednesday, March 30 at 3:05 CT on Marquee, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Mariners: Marco Gonzales (L)
versus
Cubs:Â Drew Smyly (L)
Chicago Cubs:
1. Nick Madrigal, 2B
2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
3. Frank Schwindel, 1B
4. Willson Contreras, C
5. Jonathan Villar, 3B
6. Jason Heyward, CF
7. Ian Happ, DH
8. Clint Frazier, LF
9. Nico Hoerner, SS
Seattle Mariners:
1. Julio Rodriguez, CF
2. Ty France, 1B
3. Jesse Winker, DH
4. Mitch Haniger, RF
5. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
6. Jarred Kelenic, LF
7. Dylan Moore, SS
8. Cal Raleigh, C
9. Jose Caballero, 2B
