Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/6/23): Hoerner Leads Off, PCA in Center, Wesneski Starting
The Cubs have strung together a little winning streak of late featuring a no-hitter, a shutout, and a comeback win over the weekend. Even with so many players filling up the box scores, many of whom aren’t going to sniff Chicago this summer, some trends are starting to emerge. Chief among those is the desire and ability to score without the benefit of the longball.
David Ross had his team running more last year than in any season since 2006, and we figure to see that continue in 2023. They’ve typically been a good team at going first to third on singles, though they’d not been as successful when it comes to scoring from second on base hits. In addition to upgrading the defense, Jed Hoyer has brought in players who also happen to be solid baserunners.
Between that and having players who are in go-mode as they attempt to earn a coveted roster spot, this team has been pretty fun to watch so far. That should be the case again Monday afternoon at Nico Hoerner leads off at short ahead of Trey Mancini at DH and Eric Hosmer at first. Mancini went yard on Sunday and could very well get his power numbers back up this year.
Patrick Wisdom is at third, Christopher Morel is at second, Mike Tauchman is in right, and Tucker Barnhart is the catcher. Brennen Davis in left and Pete Crow-Armstrong in center finish out the lineup while offering a glimpse of the future.
Hayden Wesneski made a strong case for a spot in the rotation with his first spring start, a dominant outing in which he struck out four Mariners over two innings. The young righty didn’t even appear to be trying that hard, he was just working his breaking stuff wherever he wanted to and getting whiffs left and right. He’s facing the M’s again in this one so we’ll see who’s got the better book on whom.
Slated to follow Wesneski are Ryan Borucki, Brad Boxberger, Ben Brown, Tyler Duffey, and Rowan Wick.
First pitch from Peoria Stadium is set for 2:10pm CT on Marquee Sports Network.
Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup: pic.twitter.com/qOgzGahcUi
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 6, 2023
