Chicago (CBS) The Chicago Cubs have announced their starting lineup for Thursday’s Opening Day game against the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers.
This year’s lineup includes many of the same major stars from last year’s team, which came within one game of qualifying for the Wild Card spot. Thursday’s game also marks the formal start of the Craig Counsell era in Chicago, when he joined the Cubs after nine seasons as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Starting pitcher
Justin Steele, a left-handed pitcher, had a breakout year on the North Side, making the All-Star Game and finishing fifth in Cy Young Award votes. He concluded 2023 with a 16-5 record, 176 strikeouts and 36 walks in 30 starts.
Batting lineup
Ian Happ led all left fielders with 12 outfield assists last year, earning him his second consecutive Gold Glove award. He also hit 21 home runs and had 84 RBI on offence.
Seiya Suzuki, right field – The Japanese national is beginning his second season with the Cubs after hitting 20 home runs, 74 RBI, and earning a.285 batting average.
- Cody Bellinger, centre field – Bellinger recently signed a three-year $80 million deal to stay in Chicago after a 26-home run season in which he hit.307.
In his second season in the major leagues, Christopher Morel, a designated hitter, increased his hits, home runs, RBI, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Dansby Swanson plays shortstop.- Swanson, who is entering his second season with the Cubs, had 22 home runs and 80 RBI last year. He’s also coming off a second consecutive Gold Glove and All-Star selection.
Michael Busch plays first base. Busch is one of the Cubs’ new faces, having arrived in Chicago via a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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