Chicago Cubs

Maddon Slots Lester in Eighth Spot in Cubs' Opening Day Lineup

The Chicago Cubs will play their first regular season game under new manager Joe Maddon on Sunday night, and as he submits his first lineup of the campaign, he’s already shaking things up a little bit.

Here is how the Cubs will line up as they go against Adam Wainwright and the St. Louis Cardinals:

1. Dexter Fowler CF

2. Jorge Soler RF

3. Anthony Rizzo 1B

4. Starlin Castro SS

5. Chris Coghlan LF

6. Mike Olt 3B

7. David Ross C

8. Jon Lester P

9. Tommy La Stella 2B

There are a couple of things that jump out about the lineup immediately. Having the powerful Soler in the second spot ahead of Rizzo could give him a ton of pitches to hit, and he also has the ability to hit for average, meaning that teams can’t just throw him bad pitches and expect him to flail away at them.

Another interesting thing about Maddon’s lineup is that he once again has the pitcher batting in the eighth spot. Doing so allows the lineup to turn over faster. Plus, having a guy like La Stella batting behind Lester could be beneficial. La Stella, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in a trade this off-season, has played really well throughout Cactus League play, and he earned the start at second base over Arismendy Alcantara as a result.

Finally, the question over which catcher would be behind the plate for Lester seems to have been answered. Miguel Montero was brought in by the Cubs to provide improved defense at the catcher position, but Ross has served as Lester’s personal catcher for several seasons now, and he seems to have earned the same position with the Cubs this season.

First pitch for the game will take place at 7:05 p.m.

Contact Us