Chicago Cubs Lineups (3/16/24): Smyly, Brown Starting Split-Squad Affairs

Chicago Cubs LineupThe Cubs were supposed to have played two games against the Sox on Friday, one of which was the Spring Breakout showcase that ended up being canceled by rain. They’ll do their best to make up for that today by splitting the squad for contests with the Royals and Angels, the latter of which has at least a little prospect flavor.

Drew Smyly is starting the home half as he continues to build toward a starting role that may last only as long as Jameson Taillon is on the IL. The lefty has been better than the numbers indicate, mainly because his goal is to incorporate a new splitter rather than to put batters away with his typical sequencing. That led to him getting tagged for…