Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/11/23): Hoerner Leads Off, McKinstry in LF, Wesneski Starting

The Cubs will try to start another win streak as they take on the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch Saturday afternoon. This lineup isn’t necessarily indicative of the team’s eventual roster decisions, though there are some little hints in there.

Nico Hoerner is leading off at second base with double-play partner Dansby Swanson right behind him. Trey Mancini is in right and Edwin Ríos is at first, which is something we could see on occasion in the regular season. Yan Gomes bats fifth and Patrick Wisdom follows at third base, then Mike Tauchman, who has had a solid spring is the DH. Christopher Morel, who many believe will start the season in Iowa, gets the start in center and Zach McKinstry is in left.

Nick Madrigal isn’t in today’s lineup, but he’s been getting enough reps at third that it really feels like he’s got a utility infield spot locked up. McKinstry getting the start in left could be a sign that the Cubs want to use him in a role similar to what Morel is/was expected to play, moving all over the field on any given day. McKinstry taking that spot would probably mean Ben DeLuzio doesn’t break camp with the big club, so that’s something to keep an eye on.

Hayden Wesneski is going to have a lot of eyes on him as he makes his third start of the spring, the first two of which have seen him allow just one unearned run. The young righty has struck out seven with two walks over 4.2 mostly clean innings and should get stretched into the 4th in this one as long as he maintains his efficiency.

Scheduled to pitch after Wesneski are Anthony Kay, Brendon Little, Michael Rucker and Cam Sanders.

Going for the Dodgers is Noah Syndergaard, who has allowed just one hit through five innings over his first two appearances. He has struck out four with no walks, but he’s doing so with a different approach that what you probably remember from his Mets days. After sitting 98mph with the fastball through his first five seasons, Thor was under 94 last year with the Angels. I hope to see some radar readings from this one to see if he’s back up at all.

First pitch is at 2:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup in Glendale. pic.twitter.com/BRdn7vEusA

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 11, 2023