Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/4/26): Carlson Leads Off, Alcántara in LF, Cabrera Pitching

Time is limited, so I’m just going to post the lineup image below. I will, however make a note of one particular player. That wouldn’t typically be worth mentioning, but the circumstances related to his presence are worth discussing.

Things got a little spicy at camp on Tuesday as Craig Counsell went off during baserunning drills with media members present. Jesse Rogers reported that “they deserved it” without specifying any particular player(s), but Counsell later hinted at the source of his ire.

“Some guys will be on the team even if they get doubled up in games here,” Counsell said. “Others won’t make the team.”

That’s not the kind of thing you’d say about an established player, nor does it apply to seasoned vets who aren’t on the roster. Sure enough, Bruce Levine clarified the exact who and what during an update on 104.3 The Score.

“The Cubs were practicing tagging up on balls hit to the outfield, and then the baserunner deciding if they have to tag or go halfway,” Levine said. “And Counsell totally lost it. Kevin Alcántara was confused as to whether to tag or go halfway — Counsell went out and just let everyone have it.

”He said, ‘If you don’t know how to run the bases by the time camp ends, you’re not going to be on this team.’ It was a very pointed, very hot moment for Craig Counsell. He lost it.”

Alcántara being in there today doesn’t indicate anything one way or the other when it comes to breaking camp, but it’s something to monitor. The assumption from many is that he’ll start in Triple-A, and Tuesday’s gaffe could create a slightly steeper climb for him as he looks to beat out a trio of veteran outfielders.

First pitch is at 2:10pm CT with Marquee and Brewers.TV providing coverage from American Family Fields of Phoenix.