April 08--What a relief.
It's not just the Cubs' bullpen that the team's business executives are counting on in the wake of Sunday's uncomfortable 3-0 opening night loss to the rival Cardinals.
The Cubs installed 74 portable toilets at Wrigley Field that were ready for use before Tuesday night's game was postponed more than five hours before the scheduled first pitch because of the forecast of rain and sub-freezing wind chills.
The Cubs believe the installation of the temporary toilets will eliminate the long lines and discomfort suffered by fans who endured the inconveniences the five-year renovation and construction project at Wrigley Field caused.
The installation will be put to the test Wednesday when the Cardinals and Cubs play the second game of the 2015 season at Wrigley.
Forty portable toilets were placed on the left-field side of the main concourse in front of two restrooms that are under construction. The other portable toilets were placed outside Gate K on Sheffield Avenue.
All the portable toilets were placed on the left field side, where their largest restrooms that are under construction are located. Hand sanitizer dispensers also were mounted on posts outside the portable toilets.
The Cubs reported that the wait times were much shorter on the right-field side during Sunday's game, including a short wait at the women's restroom near the Sheffield Grill in the right-field corner.
Nevertheless, the temporary setup will be put to the test as any long lines could create congestion on the left-field side of the main concourse.
Problems surfaced Sunday night when two of the four restrooms on the upper deck were shut down because of a flooding issue. That caused fans to go to the bathrooms on the main concourse and wait in line for as long as one hour.
The Cubs hope to have full access of their restrooms by late May -- shortly after the left-field bleachers are scheduled for completion.
Rotation adjustment: Jake Arrieta had his first start moved back one day to Wednesday because of Tuesday's postponement, but the Cubs adjusted their rotation for this weekend's series at Colorado.
Left-hander Travis Wood will stay on schedule and pitch Friday in the Rockies' home opener. Jason Hammel, who originally was scheduled to pitch Wednesday before Tuesday's postponement, will make his first start Saturday, followed by Kyle Hendricks.
Left-handed ace Jon Lester will make his next start Monday against the Reds on seven days' rest because of Tuesday's postponement and Thursday's travel day.
Extra innings: After Tuesday's game officially was postponed, the Cubs and Cardinals each had informal workouts. ... Outfielder Ryan Sweeney was granted his release. Sweeney, 30, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. He batted .251 in only 77 games with the Cubs last season because of injuries to both hamstrings. Sweeney will receive $1.5 million in the second year of a two-year contract.
mgonzales@tribpub.com
