Joe Maddon using National League-style lineup for the first time this spring
Joe Maddon posted his lineup for Wednesday’s game in Surprise against the Royals. And for the first time this spring, the Cubs will not use a designated hitter.
John Lackey is starting Wednesday’s Cactus League game and he is batting ninth in Maddon’s lineup.
Cubs’ starting lineup: Ben Zobrist 2B, Addison Russell SS, Kris Bryant 3B, Miguel Montero C, Jorge Soler LF, Javier Baez CF, Jesus Guzman 1B, John Andreoli RF and John Lackey P
Manny Parra, Carl Edwards Jr., Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Jean Machi are on the pitching schedule for Wednesday’s game.
Arismendy Alcantara, Jeimer Candelario, Willson Contreras, Taylor Davis, Albert Almora Jr., Kris Negron and Juan Perez are on the travel roster.
Shane Victorino and Tommy La Stella are not available for today’s game against the Royals.
The Cubs have not provided updates on Victorino or La Stella. Victorino was expected back in the lineup Monday and has not played in a Cactus League game since March 8.
John Lackey is making his second Cactus League start today and should receive at least one at bat. Lackey is likely targeting four innings to get his work in today after completing three innings against the Reds last Friday.
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies also make their spring debut this afternoon (3:05pm CDT) on Comcast SportsNet.