March 22--MESA, Ariz. -- The odd sight of manager Joe Maddon and the coaches dressed as football coaches with polyester shorts and whistles Saturday morning fit perfectly the changes involving the Chicago Cubs.
Starting pitcher Jason Hammel will bat eighth against the San Diego Padres and James Shields. Maddon has talked about the possibility of a starting pitcher batting eighth as he continues to experiment with different lineups.
Also, shortstop Starlin Castro said his right groin is 100 percent after feeling tightness on Saturday that caused him to be scratched from the lineup. Castro said he originally felt discomfort Thursday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks while striding toward a pitch but not swinging.
"We got two weeks left," Castro said. "I don't want to take a chance and rush myself and get hurt. I'm good. I'm taking (Sunday) off. (Monday) we got a day off, and Tuesday I will play again."
Castro said the severity of the injury isn't anywhere close to the hamstring ailments that have sidelined him for extended periods for the past two springs.
"No. not even close," Castro said. "I can play right now 100 percent right now. I did feel a little tightness (Saturday). I came in here to the trainer's room and got a little massaging. That's it. The tightness is gone.
"It' still early. It don't mean anything yet. I don't want to be pushing myself and get hurt with two weeks left before the start of the season. It's not really smart."
Javier Baez will start at shortstop in place of Castro.
Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo and Castro are among the players who will participate in the Cubs' "Respect Bald" campaign to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.
Castro, who turns 25 on Tuesday, said this will be the first time he will shave his head.
"Those kids are going to be excited," Castro said. "I've never done it before. I'm in. I told my girlfriend already I'll be bald."
Jake Arrieta will pitch a minor league game on Monday -- the team's scheduled day off.
Here's the Cubs' lineup:
Fowler cf
Coghlan lf
Soler rf
Rizzo 1b
Montero c
Baez ss
Olt 3b
Hammel p
Alcantara 2b
