Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/17/24): Assad Starting, Happ Returns at DH, Amaya Catching

The Cubs won a pair yesterday with split squads and now they’re looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on St. Paddy’s Day. As the roster begins to take shape, one spot manager Craig Counsell needs to figure out is the back end of the rotation. Javier Assad is vying for a starting role and he gets the ball this afternoon.

Ian Happ returns from a hamstring injury today leading off and playing DH for the Cubs. Red-hot Seiya Suzuki bats second playing RF, he’s followed by Cody Bellinger in CF, Christopher Morel at 3B, Dansby Swanson at SS, and Michael Busch at 1B. Nico Hoerner bats seventh playing 2B, Mike Tauchman follows in LF, and Miguel Amaya is behind the plate.

On the bump for the Rangers is righty Jose Ureña, who is best known for surrendering a home run to Ian Happ on the first pitch of the 2018 season. He’s looked good in two appearances so far, but his career stats point to a guy who has done very little with his big stuff. Despite a mid-90s fastball and power slider, he doesn’t strike many batters out and gives up way too much contact.

First pitch from Sloan Park is at 3:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

St. Patrick’s Day in Mesa ☘️ 🌵

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 17, 2024