Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/22/21): Keegan Thompson Pitching, Ian Happ Leading Off, Kris Bryant Batting Cleanup

The Chicago Cubs travel to play the Los Angeles Angels today at Tempe’s Diablo Stadium. Leading off for the Cubs is Ian Happ playing CF followed by Willson Contreras at DH, Joc Pederson in LF, Kris Bryant at 3B, and Javy Báez at SS. David Bote is playing 2B batting sixth, followed by Cameron Maybin in right, Matt Duffy at 1B, and PJ Higgins catching.

Pitching prospect Keegan Thompson takes the mound today for the Cubs. Thompson was ranked #12 on CI’s annual top pitching prospect list that was published on Sunday. You should check that article out for solid system-wide breakdowns of the Cubs’ top 20 pitching prospects.

Thompson was added to the Cubs 40-man roster back in November 2020, which protected him from the Rule 5 draft in December. The Cubs have high hopes for Thompson who, at age 26, could be in line to make his major league debut this season for the Cubs if he can stay healthy.

With a solid four-pitch repertoire, Thompson certainly has everything you would look for in a back-end starter. He was assigned to the Cubs alternate site in 2020 and is expected to start the season at Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate, Iowa Cubs.

First pitch from Diablo Stadium is set for 3:05pm CT and, while there are no Chicago broadcasts available, the game can be seen and heard via MLB.tv over Los Angeles Angels’ TV and radio networks.

Here is today's #Cubs lineup. pic.twitter.com/xkb12lEKbW

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 22, 2021