NEWSLETTER
The Cubs are down to just their final three spring training games! We’ve got today’s contest against the Royals and then back-to-back games against the White Sox to start the week. After that, it’s an off-day Wednesday and then … OPENING DAY. I am ready. I will also see you there at Opening Day. For now, here’s the Chicago Cubs lineup for today’s game against Kansas City.
Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, 2Bi
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Ian Happ, LF
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Trey Mancini, DH
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Chris Morel, RF
- Tucker Barnhart, C
Once again, Nico Hoerner (bicep) is back in the (first iteration of the) Cubs lineup. And once again we’ll have to hope it actually sticks. As you’ll recall, Hoerner was initially in yesterday’s group, too, returning from his bicep injury, but was later scratched. I can tell you that this lineup came out a little later than usual, so hopefully the Cubs learned their lesson and waited to make the decision until they were sure he could play.
I’ll also note Chris Morel’s inclusion in what certainly looks like an everyday lineup. We discussed the nuanced nature of his Opening Day assignment in the bullets earlier today. Long story short, if he keep his recent performance up through these last few games, it’ll be pretty hard to send him to Iowa to start the year (which, again, would only be done precisely BECAUSE you believe in his potential long-term impact).
Royals Lineup:
- Maikel Garcia, SS
- Samad Taylor, 2B
- Nick Pratto, 1B
- Tyler Gentry, RF
- Gavin Cross, CF
- Nick Loftin, 3B
- Tucker Bradley, LF
- Freddy Germin, C
- Carter Jensen, DH
Pitching Matchup
Cubs: Justin Steele, LHP
Royals: Ryan Yarbrough
Justin Steele has not had a particularly strong spring, particularly in terms of command (he walked five batters his last time out). But we know he KNEW he’d be in the rotation to start the year, so I am just going to trust that the spring is the spring and he wasn’t pitching exclusively to max out in terms of results.
That said, this’ll be his last outing before the regular season and I’d sure love to see him finish strong. Counting days, it looks he’s set to take the ball in Game 2 against Milwaukee, but with the off-day, it could also be Day 3.
How to Watch
The game is on Marquee Sports Network at 3pm CT, with a free stream available via MLB.tv.
