Cubs vs. Athletics: Cubs Lineup, Pitching Matchup, How to Watch – March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023, by Michael Cerami Chicago Cubs

The Cubs play a regular season game this month. That’s nuts. In the meantime, we have 27(!) more Cactus League games to get through. Starting with today against the A’s.

Chicago Cubs Lineup:

Nico Hoerner, 2B
Ian Happ, LF
Cody Bellinger, CF
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Nick Madrigal, 3B
Tucker Barnhart, C
Mike Tauchman, RF
Nelson Velázquez, DH
Zach McKinstry, SS

SP: Marcus Stroman, RHP

Marcus Stroman is taking the mound for the Cubs this afternoon, in what’ll be his second start of the spring. Already locked into a spot in the rotation, possibly the top spot (by default), Stroman will just be looking to get his work in and ramp up for the World Baseball Classic.

As for the lineup, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Nico Hoerner is David Ross’ number 1 choice to lead off for the Cubs this year. Spring Training lineups don’t tell you much, but I do think they can reveal that particular choice. It’s good to get guys reps leading off so they can get into the rhythm before the season starts.

There’s a lefty on the mound today, but Eric Hosmer is getting the start at first base. I doubt we’ll see much of that in the regular season (though perhaps more than we like (which would be none) with Seiya Suzuki out of the lineup and Trey Mancini possibly filling out the outfield). Nick Madrigal gets more run at third base and Nelson Velázquez is at the plate, looking to prove that his bat is advanced enough to be Suzuki’s primary replacement in the short term.