Chicago Cubs Lineup (2/27/20): Happ Leads Off, Hoerner at Short, Rea Pitching

The Cubs don’t having anything shocking in store when they head to Surprise to face the Rangers. Ian Happ will lead off in center, followed by David Bote at third and Kyle Schwarber in left. Josh Phegley is behind the dish as David Ross continues to maintain a steady catching rotation, with Daniel Descalso at second and Nico Hoerner at short.

Hernán Pérez is at first base, Ian Miller is in right, and PJ Higgins bats last as the DH. It feels like forever since a Cubs catcher hit a homer, but both Phegley and Higgins have gone yard and could do so again.

Colin Rea, the reigning Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year will be on the mound to give the Cubs an inning or two at the start of the game. Though he’s a longshot to break camp on the 26-man roster, Rea will almost certainly end up giving the Cubs some innings over the course of the season. The righty won’t blow anyone away with his stuff, but he’s a solid option.

Following him on the mound is a group highlighted by Dan Winkler and Casey Sadler, the latter of whom has already become a social media darling for his goofball humor and being a doting dad to his young daughter. Also slated to appear is Justin Steele, a lefty whose “legitimate upside” the Cubs’ development team says is comparable to Brailyn Marquez.

Manuel Rodriguez, Wyatt Short, and Caleb Simpson are also on the list of probables.

First pitch from Surprise Stadium is at 2:05pm CT and will be carried by Marquee Sports Network. You can also get the radio call via MLB.com or the app.

Surprise! pic.twitter.com/sSHpka9StS

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 27, 2020