Kris Bryant starting in left field in Cubs spring game with Giants
Joe Maddon posted his starting lineup for Thursday night’s primetime matchup with the Giants on ESPN (6:05pm CDT). Kris Bryant is moving to the outfield for the first time this spring. Bryant is batting third, starting in left field.
Cubs starting lineup: Dexter Fowler CF, Jason Heyward RF, Kris Bryant LF, Anthony Rizzo 1B, Ben Zobrist 2B, Miguel Montero C, Addison Russell SS, Jeimer Candelario 3B, Jake Arrieta P
With Bruce Bochy starting lefty Madison Bumgarner in Scottsdale tonight, it is interesting to see Kris Bryant moved up to the three-hole with Anthony Rizzo behind him and Ben Zobrist protecting Rizzo.
Kris Bryant said Monday that Maddon said he would see time in the outfield soon. Bryant does not think he will play a lot of outfield this season.
Joe Maddon wants to make sure Bryant has played a little outfield this spring in case the need arises when the games count.
Jake Arrieta makes his third Cactus League start tonight. Arrieta will be stretched out to 80-90 pitches, which could mean as many as seven innings for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.
The Cubs called up Jeimer Candelario for the day to play third base with Bryant moving to the outfield. Rizzo, Zobrist, Russell and Candelario from first to third is an excellent defensive infield.
And with Bryant in left field, Dexter Fowler in center and Jason Heyward in right field, the Cubs will have an incredibly athletic outfield at Scottsdale Stadium tonight.