Cubs Reveal Starting Pitcher for Spring Training Opener

Spring Training games officially kick off on Friday, although most teams won't be in action until Saturday. That's when the Chicago Cubs will have their spring opener against the San Francisco Giants in a battle between two teams looking to rebound from disappointing seasons in 2022.

While some teams such as the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers are having relievers start their first Spring Training games, the Cubs are using a traditional starting pitcher instead.

Cubs Spring Training News

According to manager David Ross, Marcus Stroman will start Saturday's game against the Giants.

Ross appears to be treating the contest like Opening Day in a sense, as Stroman is Chicago's ace. The former All-Star went 6-7 with a 3.50 ERA in 25 starts last season, making good on the first year of the Cubs' two-year, $50 million investment in him.

Adrian Sampson will immediately follow Stroman in the game. Sampson emerged as a quality starter for Chicago last year as well, going 4-5 with a 3.11 ERA in 21 appearances (19 starts).

With two of their best arms lined up to pitch, the Cubs are well-positioned to begin Spring Training on a high note.