Cubs vs. Mariners: Cubs Lineup, Pitching Matchup, How to Watch – March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023, by Brett Taylor Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger was quietly absent from the last few Cubs games, apparently feeling under the weather. But he’s back today.

Chicago Cubs Lineup:

Nico Hoerner, 2B
Dansby Swanson, SS
Ian Happ, LF
Cody Bellinger, CF
Trey Mancini, 1B
Edwin Rios, 3B
Yan Gomes, C
Nelson Velazquez, RF
Christopher Morel, DH

SP: Hayden Wesneski, RHP

Wesneski making his Spring Training debut, competing for that fifth starter job. A lot more is going to go into that decision than how he, Adrian Sampson, and Javier Assad pitch in Spring Training games, but it’s worth remembering that all three have minor league options remaining. So, in theory, there are no roster-related reasons to go with one guy or another. It can really be about the combination of winning the most early-season games and doing the best for player development/health. That latter part is why I still suspect it’s going to be Sampson, but I wouldn’t rule anything out. Heck, Assad looked fantastic in his spring debut and Sampson got knocked around.

Meanwhile, Nelson Velazquez gets a start in right field after his big game yesterday. All else equal, and assuming it isn’t realistic for Brennen Davis, Velazquez filling in for Seiya Suzuki over the first month or whatever AND breaking out would be kinda your dream scenario. He’s still a very talented 24-year-old, after all.

Trey Mancini starts at first base, where he’s going to see time no matter what, though I wonder if we’ll see him get some starts in right field sooner rather than later.