PLAYING TIME: LaHair beats out Rizzo in Chicago

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Cubs go with LaHair over Rizzo at 1B

Despite a March that might suggest otherwise, the Cubs insisted this week that Bryan LaHair (1B, CHC) is the best choice to open the season as their starting first baseman. Mirroring comments made when Anthony Rizzo (1B, CHC) was acquired this offseason from the Padres, GM Jed Hoyer stated that LaHair will be in lineup against the Nationals on April 5, and Rizzo will be at Triple-A Iowa. The performance of both players this spring have tested Hoyer's resolve: LaHair is 7-for-37 with one extra-base hit and 14 strikeouts; Rizzo is 12-for-32 with 2 HR.

LaHair had a huge season in Triple-A in 2011 (.301/.405/.664 with 38 HR), but his age (29) gives him only a small window for...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Nick Pivetta looks to be out for a while with a flexor strain; knuckleballer Matt Waldron takes his place for now. Plus injuries in San Francisco, Colorado, Houston and more.
Apr 16 2026 9:10am
Merrill Kelly is back with the Dbacks, and we make PT adjustments for the IL stints of Yelich, Pivetta and Moreno and more.
Apr 15 2026 9:37am
The Noah Schultz era begins on the South Side; Jays and White Sox strike a deal; a rotation shift in Baltimore; Mets add Tommy Pham; and more...
Apr 14 2026 7:45am
The hits keep on coming in Baltimore, the Jays move to replace George Springer, Braves move on from Martin Pérez, and more...
Apr 13 2026 9:21am
George Springer's broken toe tests the Jays' OF depth; Rutschman IL stint creates opportunity for Basallo in Baltimore; Detroit moves to cover the loss of Parker Meadows, and more...
Apr 12 2026 8:29am

Tools