The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation is set for the first five games of the season. With Jameson Taillon unavailable due to a back issue, Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks will be in the rotation to open the season. In addition, Justin Steele is undoubtedly the team’s Opening Day starter.
However, there is a little wrinkle in the remainder of the rotation. According to Counsell, Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Wicks will take the ball in the Texas Rangers series, lining up LHP Shota Imanaga to make his Cubs debut at Wrigley Field in the team’s home opener.
Here’s how Cubs’ rotation lines up to start the season, barring any injuries that pop up next few days:
Opening day at Rangers — Justin Steele
Saturday at Rangers — Kyle Hendricks
Sunday at Rangers — Jordan Wicks
Home opener vs COL — Shota Imanaga
April 2 vs COL — Javier Assad— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 24, 2024
Javier Assad will serve as the fifth starter to open the season. Once Taillon returns, its likely that Assad will return to the bullpen. However, depending on the amount of time that Taillon is on the shelf, one of the other pitchers, such as Wicks, could ultimately be bumped in favor of the big righty depending on the production from others.
Undoubtedly, Imanaga’s debut in the home opener will excite fans. April 1 has already been circled on so many Cubs fan’s calendars, and now the event has even more excitement tied to it. The Cubs signed Imanaga to a four-year deal just before the annual Cubs Convention, setting up a series of moves including the Michael Busch trade and Cody Bellinger re-signing with the club. Imanaga will be expected to play a big role in the rotation after the departure of Marcus Stroman.
The Cubs open the season on Thursday against the defending champions in Arlington, TX. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. CDT. The Cubs will finish up with the Rangers on Saturday and Sunday following the Friday off-day before opening up against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, Apr. 1 at Wrigley Field.
