Gordon Wittenmyer
Chicago Cubs reporter
Gordon Wittenmyer covers the Chicago Cubs for the Chicago Sun-Times.
With less than a month left before the season starts, centerfield looks like the most compelling job battle in camp.
For all the talk in recent years about accountability and change, veteran Kris Bryant says, “All we do is just talk. No one really acts on it. I think as a team we should act on it.”
Fifth-starter Colin Rea struggled in the start, and rookie Nico Hoerner looked good in another audition for the top job as Javy Baez’ backup at short.
Wieck, 28, underwent a cardiac ablation procedure Monday in Chicago. It’s not an uncommon condition or procedure, and the left-hander is expected to resume throwing in a week or so.
If the 25-year-old Almora can successfully rebound from his worst season, it could be one of the biggest difference makers for a budget-strapped team that needs to find its improvements internally.
“I think he’s here for a haircut,” Cubs manager David Ross said of former Red Sox and Cubs teammate John Lackey, who was invited to spend a few days in camp to put on a uniform and bring a veteran influence to young pitchers.
Kyle Hendricks pitched two scoreless innings to start things off. All-Star shortstop Javy Baez hit his first homer of the spring.
Lester has made eight Opening Day starts, four for the Cubs; Darvish opened for the Rangers in 2017 after returning from Tommy John surgery.
Jon Lester struggled with command as he worked on his fastball in his first start of the spring; Ian Happ’s three-run double was the Cubs’ big blow of the game.