NEWSLETTER
CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs have just TWO more Cactus League games remaining, both against the Cardinals, both at Sloan Park. Predictably, today’s Cubs lineup has mostly regulars in it – including Ian Happ, whose rehab progress had apparently “plateaued” – but I’d expect this to be their last game (maybe not for Happ, who needs the reps, but for everyone else). That’s just how this usually goes. Take a good look at this one, because I think this is going to be THE Opening Day lineup for the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, LF
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Cody Bellinger, CF
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Yan Gomes, C
- Mike Tauchman, DH
Okay, I like it!
Not only am I relieved to see Happ back in there, I like the general composition, even if it’s slightly different than what I would have done. For example, I think we all hope Michael Busch eventually forces his way up in the Cubs lineup, not only because that’d mean he’s producing, but also because he can break up all those righties. But to start the season, I think that’s a perfectly fine way to go.
Beyond that, it probably makes sense for Mike Tauchman to be the “all else equal” DH. If guys are rotating or resting, they can use that spot accordingly, but against a normal righty on normal rest, Tauchman is the next best bat to have there. Eventually, if PCA pushes Belli to first, Michael Busch might become the everyday DH. But we’ll get there when we get there. Who knows if the Morel stuff will work out at third or what else might happen around the diamond.
Just two more games! Get excited.
St. Louis Cardinals:
- Brendan Donovan, LF
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
- Nolan Gorman, 2B
- Nolan Arenado, 3B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Dylan Carlson, CF
- Ivan Herrera, DH
- Jordan Walker, RF
- Masyn Winn, SS
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Jordan Wicks, LHP
St. Louis Cardinals: Steven Matz, LHP
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (16-13) vs St. Louis Cardinals (11-12) at 3:05 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network
