Cubs align schedule for Hendricks Opening Day start originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
A glimpse into what Opening Day might resemble for the Cubs plays out Friday afternoon in spring training in Arizona.
The Cubs-Brewers game at Sloan Park? Sure.
But if you want to get a look at the Cubs' Opening Day starter for Thursday's game against the Brewers at Wrigley, he'll be pitching in the Cubs other split-squad game Friday afternoon, against the Diamondbacks in Scottsdale.
Manager David Ross has not officially divulged his opening starter yet, but when beat writers in Arizona were informed that Marcus Stroman will make his final start of the spring on Sunday, that all but assured the third consecutive Opening Day start for Kyle Hendricks, as expected.
Hendricks, who makes his fourth and final spring start against the Diamondbacks Friday, pitched a startling complete game shutout against the Brewers in his first career opener, after the long pandemic layoff in the shortened 2020 season. He made it through just three innings in a loss to Pittsburgh in last year's opener.
He would face reigning NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes in Thursday's 1:20 pm. opener at Wrigley.
Stroman, who signed a three-year, $71 million free agent deal over the winter, is lined up to start Friday.
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Stroman makes his final start Sunday in a minor-league game to best control his pace and workload in preparation for his Cubs debut.
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