Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/16/23): Hoerner Leads Off, Happ Second, Smyly Starting
Things are starting to take shape in Mesa as the roster and lineup become a little clearer. That includes Nico Hoerner leading off at second base with Ian Happ batting second in left and Dansby Swanson hitting third. Trey Mancini is the cleanup hitter in right, Cody Bellinger is in center, Eric Hosmer is at first, and Patrick Wisdom is at third. Yan Gomes handles the catching duties and Christopher Morel is the DH.
Drew Smyly is on the bump as he looks to continue working through his mechanics and his full repertoire. His early outings were a little rough as he focused just on the cutter and fastball, but things looked much better as he re-incorporated the curveball. Now it’s about continuing to stretch out.
The Cubs are facing Madison Bumgarner and the Diamondbacks this afternoon and should be able to get to the aging southpaw, who is making just his second spring start. First pitch from Sloan Park is at 3:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network.
Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup at @SloanParkMesa! pic.twitter.com/V00XCcEEmh
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 16, 2023