Cubs vs. Brewers: Cubs Lineup, Pitching Matchup, How to Watch – February 28, 2023

February 28, 2023, by Michael Cerami Chicago Cubs

I want – so badly – to be excited about seeing Kevin Alcantara’s name in the Chicago Cubs lineup this morning. But the update on Seiya Suzuki’s oblique is a dark cloud on a Tuesday morning. Sigh. Here’s the Cubs lineup for Game 5 of the Cactus League.

Chicago Cubs Lineup:

Nick Madrigal, 3B
Tucker Barnhart, C
Patrick Wisdom, DH
Matt Mervis, 1B
Chris Morel, 2B
Mike Tauchman, RF
Miles Mastrobuoni, SS
Kevin Alcantara, LF
Ben DeLuzio, CF

SP: Drew Smyly, LHP

… But I am still excited to see Alcantara. Although he’s not currently the top prospect in the Cubs system, the story goes that he has one of the highest upside of all prospects. Like all prospects in baseball. He has a long LONG way to go before realizing that potential, but he’s a very exciting player. And today, we get a rare close-up look at what he’s all about.

The Cubs are giving Nick Madrigal a whole lot of run this spring, which isn’t surprising given his somewhat tenuous grasp on an active roster spot, as well as how many game reps he needs at third base if that’s going to be a serious option.

We’ve also seen plenty of Matt Mervis, which makes sense. Maybe his chances of breaking camp with the Cubs just ticked up after Suzuki’s injury. If Mancini is going to play more right field, I don’t know how much the Cubs want to lean on Eric Hosmer at first base. Plus, DH at-bats would open up. Time to get serious, Mr. Mervis. No more whiffing on those outside sweepers!

Meanwhile, Drew Smyly is getting his first start of the spring. And he’s yet another one of those guys who could actually be a big deal for the Cubs this season. Unlike Mancini and Bellinger and Hosmer, who are all looking to bounce back to prior performance levels, Smyly’s big thing is just staying healthy. Usually, when he’s on the mound, he’s pretty good.