Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/3/25): PCA Leads Off, Tucker in RF, Kilian Pitching
The Cubs lost their first game of the spring on Sunday, probably because that bum Matt Shaw was in the lineup. They may never win again if they keep putting him out there, which is why Craig Counsell isn’t playing the top prospect on Monday. That, or the loss had nothing to do with Shaw — or anything, really — and the day off was planned all along.
Not every regular is getting the day off, however, a mildly unusual departure from the norm when it comes to a road game. But with the season coming up quicker than usual, the Cubs are sending some big names to Salt River Fields to take on the Snakes. Pete Crow-Armstrong gets the nod as the leadoff batter and center fielder, then it’s Kyle Tucker in right, Seiya Suzuki in left, and Michael Busch at first. Suzuki will now have played every outfield spot as Counsell looks to give him a chance to do more than just DH.
Update: PCA was held out of the game with a mild right hamstring strain, so Christian Franklin took his place.
Justin Turner fills that role today, then it’s Dansby Swanson at short, Carson Kelly behind the plate, and Nicky Lopez at second. Gage Workman is at third and Caleb Kilian is on the mound for his third Cactus League appearance and first start. He’s struck out five with just one walk over 3.2 innings, but those eight hits allowed don’t look too pretty. Perhaps he’s just working on something specific, which is very common in spring training.
They are facing Corbin Burnes, who the D-backs hope works out better than other high-profile free agent pitchers they’ve brought in over the last few years. No way the former Brewers ace will work out like Madison Bumgarner or Jordan Montgomery, but Burnes isn’t a lefty. Pitchers are exceedingly weird by rule, then you add being a southpaw into the mix and it goes completely off the rails.
That’s all I’ve got for now because Burnes is a known commodity and I’m running very late on this due to other commitments. I do want to see whether and how the ace adjusts this season after seeing his strikeout numbers plummet over the last few seasons. Getting his cutter back to being more effective will determine just how good he’ll be with his new team.
First pitch pitch is at 2:10pm CT on 670 The Score, no live TV for this one.
Taking on the Snakes at Salt River Fields! pic.twitter.com/jRgQHZ4MoF
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 3, 2025
