MESA, Ariz. -- In 2016, the Cubs' rotation led the Major Leagues with a 2.96 ERA and .213 batting average allowed and paced the National League in innings pitched. It was a stellar staff, and a key reason the Cubs won the World Series that season. This year's quintet could be even better.
On Monday, Tyler Chatwood will be the first of the Cubs' projected starters to start a Cactus League game, facing the Mariners. Jon Lester, who is expected to be the Opening Day starter, will start Tuesday, Kyle Hendricks on Wednesday, Yu Darvish on Thursday and Jose Quintana on Friday.