MESA, Ariz. — Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman announced Wednesday on Twitter what had seemed like an inevitability: He’ll be the Opening Day starter.
“To feel that energy in Wrigley, that’s why you worked so hard, for those moments,” Stroman said this week.
According to Stroman, he told manager David Ross that he didn’t need the Opening Day start.
“I said, ‘If you want me to have it, I would love to have it,’” he said. “‘But if you want anybody else to have it, I’m trying to make 33, 34 starts. And that’s the goal; doesn’t matter if I’m pitching one or pitching five out of the gate.”
Beyond thankful and grateful to be named the Opening Day starter for this year. Truly can’t wait to feel the energy in Wrigley. CUBS fans…THANK YOU in advance for the passion and vibe y’all provide each and every day. Can’t wait to compete for you all year! 🗣️ @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 22, 2023
Last year, his first with the club, Stroman lobbied for longtime Cub Kyle Hendricks to be the Opening Day starter. But this year, Hendricks is about a month behind in his buildup, delayed as he recovered from a capsular tear in his right shoulder.
“What stands out is just the focus and attention to detail he has in his downtime,” Ross said of Stroman’s past year with the Cubs. “He goes out there and competes as good as anybody. But how he prepares himself, how he takes care of his body, the focus in which he will throw a bullpen and do his work is pretty spectacular. You see why he’s had such success over his career.”
Stroman was the obvious choice to start Opening Day this year, both because of the way he’s established himself in the rotation over the past year and his buildup this spring. He has already pitched in meaningful games this month, making starts in the World Baseball Classic against Nicaragua in pool play and Mexico in the quarterfinals.
After signing a three-year, $71 million contract before the 2022 season, Stroman had an up-and-down start to his Cubs tenure – getting away from relying on his sinker, battling COVID-19 and then hurting his shoulder trying to rush back from the illness. But after returning from the injured list in July, he posted a 2.56 ERA the rest of the way.
“I felt like that was surely reminiscent of who I could be as a pitcher,” he said of the second half.
The Cubs open the season at home next Thursday against the Brewers.
Suzuki progressing
Right fielder Seiya Suzuki (strained left oblique) was set to progress from soft toss to batting practice in the cage Wednesday, according to Ross. Suzuki also had light base running on his rehab schedule.
“With opening day around the corner, you realize that it’s been a while since I was given that diagnosis,” Suzuki said through interpreter Toy Matsushita. “But the most important thing is fixing it 100% to be out there, and that’s my motive right now.”
Suzuki will begin the season on the injured list, and he’s not expected to play in any spring training days. When the team returns to Chicago, he’ll likely remain in Arizona and get live at-bats. Then, he’ll head out on a minor-league rehab assignment.
Cubs 4, A’s 2
• Homers powered the Cubs offense, with Cody Bellinger, Edwin Rios and Christopher Morel all sending hits over the fence.
• Right-hander Adbert Alzolay, who the Cubs plan on using in a high-leverage, multi-inning relief role this year, made his first start of the spring. He threw one inning, holding the A’s to one hit.
• Lefty Drew Smyly made his start in a minor-league game at Sloan Park on Wednesday. He threw five scoreless innings, building up to 80 pitches.
• On deck: Diamondbacks at Cubs, 3:05 p.m. Thursday, Mesa, Marquee, Ryne Nelson vs. Hayden Wesneski.
