Anthony Rizzo’s back because Anthony Rizzo’s back is feeling good enough to let him return to action. He’ll be batting second and playing first behind Kris Bryant, with Javy Báez at short and Kyle Schwarber in left. Willson Contreras is catching, Jason Heyward is in right, David Bote is the DH, Jason Kipnis is at second base, and Ian Happ is in center.
Jon Lester takes the bump for the Cubs as they face the Twins in their third and final exhibition tuneup ahead of Friday’s season opener. Lester has been tabbed as the Cubs’ fourth starter, so he’ll pitch again this coming Monday when the Cubs are in Cincy to take on the Reds.