Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/19/19, SS): Almora Leads B-Team in Late Game, Hatch Starting

With the regulars staying home in Mesa for the early half of Tuesday’s split-squad affair, Albert Almora Jr. is among the few starters heading to Surprise to face the Royals. Cristhian Adames continues to make his push for a roster spot at third base, David Bote is at second, and Victor Caratini is catching.

Addison Russell is having his playing time scaled back since he will be serving the remainder of his domestic violence suspension for the first month of the regular season, but he’s at short in this one. Jim Adduci is at first, the surprisingly productive Johnny Field is in left, Mark Zagunis is in right, and Jared Young serves as the DH.

Righty prospect Thomas Hatch, the Cubs’ first selection in the 2016 draft, will be on the mound to start. Hatch doesn’t figure to play a role with the big club this season, but this gives him a little exposure to a bigger stage and allows fans a chance to see a guy they might not otherwise get to follow too closely.

Randy Rosario is available out of the ‘pen from the left side, with Dillon Maples, Allen Webster, Rowan Wick, and James Norwood from the right. Maples and Webster both have legit shots at making the roster, with the latter perhaps forcing another tough decision since he’s out of options.

First pitch from Surprise Stadium is at 8:05pm CT and can be heard on 670 The Score. The Royals have a television broadcast for this one, so MLB.tv subscribers should be able to pick it up there.