Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/24/22): Ortega Leads Off, Simmons DH, Steele Starting

Justin Steele takes the mound for the second time as he looks to solidify a starting role on a staff that is still very much in flux with two weeks left in spring training. The lefty appears to have added a little mass in the offseason, perhaps as part of an effort to improve his stamina after injuries hampered him earlier in his career, and he’s got nasty stuff when he’s on.

Rafael Ortega is leading off in center, followed by Andrelton Simmons at DH for reasons. I mean, where better to put a glove-first shortstop than the one spot where his primary contribution is nullified? Patrick Wisdom is at third, Yan Gomes is catching, Alfonso Rivas is at first, and Michael Hermosillo is in left. Dixon Machado handles second, Greg Deichmann is the right fielder, and Andy Weber is at short.

The Cubs are facing the Angels, which means Shohei Ohtani is in the leadoff spot as the DH with former Cubs great Matt Duffy at second base. There are other players in the lineup as well, but those two are the most interesting. Actually, I was just going to note Ohtani’s role until noticing Duffy there.

First pitch from Tempe Diablo Stadium is at 3:10pm CT and can seen on Marquee Sports Network.