March 28--MESA, Ariz. -- A little joking turned out to be a reality for Anthony Rizzo, as the Chicago Cubs' first baseman will bat leadoff Saturday in a split squad game against the Colorado Rockies at Sloan Park.
"It was more of a joking around thing," Rizzo said. "It's awesome. (Coach) Davey Martinez asked me. He was supposed to be managing (against Colorado), but they switched. I think Joe (Maddon) wants to see what it is to see me lead off here."
Rizzo, who bunts very well, said this is the first time he can recall batting in the leadoff spot. "I'm going to do my best to do a Dexter Fowler impression," Rizzo quipped.
Top prospect Kris Bryant will return to third base after playing left field on Thursday.
Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta will bat eighth against the Rockies, as will Gonzalez Germen against the Cincinnati Reds in a split-squad game at Goodyear.
In other pitching news, left-hander Travis Wood will pitch in a minor league game Monday morning, with Kyle Hendricks facing San Francisco in a regularly scheduled game.
Dallas Beeler, who has missed all of spring training with a sore right arm, will pitch in a simulated game Tuesday morning around the same time Jon Lester will pitch in a minor league game. Eric Jokisch will face Texas at Surprise.
Arrieta will pitch in a minor league game Thursday -- the team's last scheduled day off. Left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, will pitch three innings in a minor league game.
Here are the lineups:
vs. Colorado
Rizzo 1b
Szczur cf
Bryant 3b
Coghlan lf
Russell ss
Sweeney rf
Ross c
Arrieta p
Herrera 2b
at Cincinnati
Fowler cf
Alcantara 3b
Soler rf
Castro ss
Lake lf
Castillo c
Olt 1b
Germen p
Baez 2b
