Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/13/24): Mastrobuoni at SS, Shaw at 2B, Hendricks Starting

The Cubs come into this one riding high on the momentum of a walk-off win, which felt good even though it’s ultimately meaningless. But even if the outcome didn’t really matter, they were playing quite a few regulars and managed to battle back from a deficit. What’s more, Justin Steele looked great as he struck out nine batters in less than five innings.

This afternoon’s matchup sees Kyle Hendricks taking the mound for the fourth time as he tries to get up to four innings or so. The Professor has given up three runs on five hits in each of his last two starts as he works through some stuff early. His control has been uncharacteristically spotty with four hit batters and three walks over a total of 8.1 innings, but I’m thinking he’ll dial it in today.

The Cubs are fielding a typical away game lineup for this one, starting with Miles Mastrobuoni in the leadoff spot and playing short. Garrett Cooper is the DH, Dominic Smith is at first, Patrick Wisdom is at third, and Miguel Amaya handles catching duties. Alexander Canario is in right, Owen Caissie is in left, Matt Shaw is the second baseman, and Pete Crow-Armstrong is in center.

They’re up against 25-year-old Tanner Bibee, who debuted last year and put up a 2.98 ERA over 25 starts. The righty was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 Draft and moved quickly through Cleveland’s system, splitting the 2022 season between High-A and Double-A. He then made just three starts at Triple-A before being called up and staying with the big club.

That tends to happen when you can run the fastball up there at 95 and have a nasty slider with a plus changeup to boot. Though he doesn’t get a ton of whiffs or chases, Bibee works the zone well and keeps that slider right on the lower glove-side edge for called strikes and weak contact. His change typically works arm-side and can be used to front-door lefties.

When I throw it, I’m more putting a lot of pressure on my thumb,” Bibee told FanGraphs’ David Laurila last May. “That’s what Trevor Hoffman used to do with his changeup. Putting a ton of pressure on your thumb kind of turns your hand naturally when you come through, and for me that’s a better key than consciously trying to pronate. If I consciously tried to pronate, I’d probably miss everything.”

Here’s to hoping he doesn’t miss many bats this afternoon. First pitch is at 3:05pm CT with the only coverage of the game coming via the Guardians’ audio feed on MLB.com.

Here is today’s #Cubs starting lineup vs. the Guardians. pic.twitter.com/Z3JdteJU1E

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 13, 2024