5th-starter candidate Mike Montgomery to start Cubs spring opener

MESA, Ariz. — Let the Cubs’ fifth-starter battle begin.

The top two candidates for the job will start in the first three days of Cactus League play, with Mike Montgomery getting the call against the Athletics in the home half of season-opening split-squad games Saturday — exactly 115 days after throwing the final pitch of the World Series.

Newly signed Brett Anderson, whose track record suggests he could be the favorite if healthy, starts Monday at home against the White Sox.

The Cubs’ other starters in that opening stretch: Rob Zastryzny against the Giants in Scottsdale in the other split-squad game Saturday and Jake Buchanan against the Indians at home on Sunday.

The Cubs’ four returning starters from the World Series — Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey — won’t be scheduled until about a week into games as part of the team’s pitcher-preservation plan.

NOTE: The Cubs hosted nine patients from Advocate Children’s Hospital and their families on the field before practice Wednesday. Manager Joe Maddon said he knew the kids were coming but didn’t know the planned visit involved them being on the field. “But it was beautiful,” he said. “I love the way our players reacted, and I think it really adds to balance and perspective. The kids are awesome. It’s terrible that they have to be there under those circumstances, but then again, it’s wonderful.”

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Email: gwittenmyer@suntimes.com