Bryant in LF could be part of best Cubs defensive outfield in ’16

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is getting his day in the sun in left field Thursday as manager Joe Maddon unveils what figures to be what his best defensive starting outfield will look like this year.

That’s Bryant in left, Dexter Fowler in center and three-time Gold Glove winner Jason Heyward in right.

Bryant is expected to get the vast majority of his starts at third, but Maddon almost certainly will use him again in the outfield at times this year. Maddon used him in all three outfield spots last year.

Not that anybody figures to notice who’s in left field as Thursday’s game against the Giants starts, with both teams aces – Jake Arrieta and Madison Bumgarner – facing off.

Cubs’ lineup against MadBum:

CF Dexter Fowler

RF Jason Heyward

LF Kris Bryant

1B Anthony Rizzo

2B Ben Zobrist

C Miguel Montero

SS Addison Russell

3B Jeimer Candelario

RHP Jake Arrieta