Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/3/23): Madrigal Leads Off at 2B, Mancini in RF, Steele Starting

Justin Steele was scratched from his first start due to a case of arm fatigue that was really just precautionary since it’s so early in the spring. He had already thrown a lot prior to camp getting underway and believes he’s built up to three innings, so we’ll see whether the Cubs opt to let him stretch things a little in this one. I’m watching for whether he throws some offspeed stuff or just sticks to his typical mix.

Other pitchers scheduled to appear against the Pares are Adbert Alzolay, Javier Assad, Brad Boxberger, Nick Burdi, Jeremiah Estrada, and Cam Sanders. I’m very excited to see the latter of those, who hit triple digits with a heavy sinker his last time out. Burdi has also reached 100 mph several times, so we could see some serious heat in this one.

Nick Madrigal will lead this one off at second base, then it’s Dasnby Swanson at short and Trey Mancini in right. Yan Gomes is the cleanup hitter, Edwin Ríos is at third, Matt Mervis is at first, and Christopher Morel is in center. David Bote is the DH and Brennen Davis handles left field.

First pitch from Peoria Stadium is at 7:40pm CT on Marquee Sports Network and MLB Network (out-of-market only).

.@J_Steele21 on the bump!

Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/hX4dPawGx2

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 3, 2023