Manny Machado was just extended, taking a huge option off the board for the Cubs next offseason. Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner are still extension-less. Seiya Suzuki was scratched yesterday with an oblique issue. And Justin Steele has arm fatigue, enough that he won’t make his previously scheduled start today. Cool. Cool-cool-cool. Let’s take a look at the Chicago Cubs lineup for today. Maybe that’ll distract us.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nick Madrigal, 3B
- Zach McKinstry, 2B
- Matt Mervis, 1B
- Edwin Rios, DH
- Chris Morel, SS
- Mike Tauchman, LF
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Tucker Barnhart, C
- Ben DeLuzio, CF
SP: Justin Steele Javier Assad, RHP
Although yesterday’s lineup was full of everyday players, I think I’m even a little more excited to get eyes on this group, today. We’ve got our first look at Nick Madrigal, third baseman. And we’ll get to see some of his main competition, Edwin Rios, at DH.
We’ve got Chris Morel maintaining his versatility with a start at shortstop. We’ve got Matt Mervis’ first start at first base (hope to see many more of those this year!). We’ve got the new catcher, Tucker Barnhart, behind the plate and the speedster, Ben DeLuzio, in center field. He will absolutely steal a base today if he gets on.
Meanwhile, on the mound, Javier Assad will make his spring debut, as he battles (from behind Adrian Sampson and Hayden Wesneski) for the fifth and only vacant spot in the Cubs starting rotation. My guess is he starts the year at Triple-A, but … that’s only true if everyone else is healthy. And, well. Not a great start.
This post will be your game thread for today (we’ll do just one post for games this spring, not two). So here’s your broadcast info:
Dodgers vs. Cubs Game Info
Chicago Cubs (1-0) at Los Angeles Dodgers (0-1) – Sunday, February 26 at 2:05 CT on Marquee Network
Dodgers vs. Cubs Pitching Matchup
Dodgers: Robbie Erlin, LHP
Cubs: Javier Assad, RHP