This is a surprise.
The Cubs today announced that Ian Happ will start the season at Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs said that they wanted Happ to get more playing time to work on making more consistent contact at the plate. The move means that Albert Almora Jr. is likely to play every day in center field, at least to start the season.
It also opens a spot for outfielder Mark Zagunis or infielder Cristhian Adames to make the Opening Day roster. Zagunis is on the 40-man roster and Adames isn’t.