NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs are back at Wrigley Field for a classic Friday, 1:20 start time. Justin Steele is on the mound for the Cubs and Yan Gomes is behind the plate. Here’s the rest of the Cubs lineup for Game 1 against the Marlins.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Rafael Ortega, CF
- Willson Contreras, DH
- Patrick Wisdom, 1B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Yan Gomes, C
- Zach McKinstry, 3B
- Chris Morel, SS
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
SP: Justin Steele, LHP
Nico Hoerner is getting the afternoon off, which provides an opportunity for Chris Morel to flex his positional versatility even further. I don’t think Morel is anything more than a one-day/emergency starter at shortstop, but even that much trust is impressive.
He’s now started multiple games this season at shortstop, center field, and second base … and he actually says 3B is his most comfortable spot. In the meantime, while it seems like Morel may be in a slump, I think he’s actually just fine:
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).
