Chicago Cubs Lineup (4/3/22) – Ortega Leads Off, Canario DH, Howard at 2B, Steele Gets Final Spring Start

Justin Steele had the inside track on a rotation spot even before Wade Miley was shut down and now the lefty appears to be locked in as a starter with the season just a few days away. This will be his last tune-up of the spring as he faces the Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark. Steele has yet to complete three innings in his three official Cactus League starts, so look for him to stretch out a bit more in this one.

Rafael Ortega hasn’t gotten anything going yet this spring, but he’ll try to spark his production as he leads off and plays center. Clint Frazier is in left, Yan Gomes is the catcher, and Patrick Wisdom is at third. Alfonso Rivas carries a .391 spring average into the fifth spot, Michael Hermosillo is in right, and Ildemaro Vargas is at short.

Alexander Canario has a beautiful swing from the right side that he showed off with a line drive homer in Friday’s win, and he’ll serve as the DH in this one. Ed Howard will bat ninth at second base as he gets a little more experience with the big club before heading to South Bend.

First pitch is set for 8:05pm CT and will be broadcast by both 670 The Score and Marquee Sports Network.