Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/27/21): Sogard Leads Off in LF, Hoerner DH, Miller Starting Against Reds

Eric Sogard leads off again as the Cubs face the Reds, but he’s playing left field in this one. The veteran appears to have the inside track on a roster spot and playing the outfield almost ensures he’ll break camp with a team that only has four outfielders right now. Willson Contreras bats second at catcher, Anthony Rizzo is at first, and Kris Bryant cleans up at third base.

Javy Báez bats fifth at short, David Bote is at second, the slugging sensation Jake Marisnick is in center, and Rafael Ortega is in right. Nico Hoerner, who was optioned to Triple-A earlier in the day, will serve as the DH.

Shelby Miller will start the game for the Cubs on the same day he was assigned to minor league camp, a move that came as a bit of a surprise. He’s been used as a jack-of-all-trades so far this spring and figures to remain as such, provided he remains with the organization. The assumption is that he’ll be up prior to his opt-out date, now it’s a matter of how that happens.

Miller could be swapped with Adbert Alzolay, who still has an option remaining, though that would still require a 40-man spot. Perhaps the Cubs will see how other players, particularly Dillon Maples, perform out of the gate as well.

First pitch from Goodyear is set for 8:05pm CT and can be heard on Reds radio.

Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup against the Reds! pic.twitter.com/PUBGOvavtK

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 27, 2021