CHICAGO – Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair makes his first start of the season today against the Nationals.
LaHair (back) missed Thursday's opener and only appeared in yesterday's loss as a pinch hitter and fouled out. He's batting sixth versus Washington right-hander Jordan Zimmerman.
Blake DeWitt was scratched from the starting lineup with back spasms. Darwin Barney starts at second base and bats second in his place.
Jeff Samardzija is making his first start for the Cubs since 2010.
The Cubs, who are 18-25 all-time on Easter, have not won on the holiday since April 12, 2009 at Milwaukee. They are also trying to avoid their first 0-3 start the season since 1997 when they lost 14 straight games to open the year.
Nationals starting lineup:
1. Ian Desmond, SS
2. Danny Espinosa, 2B
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Adam LaRoche, 1B
5. Jayson Werth, RF
6. Xavier Nady, LF
7. Roger Bernadina, CF
8. Wilson Ramos, C
9. Jordan Zimmerman, P
Cubs starting lineup:
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Ian Stewart, 3B
6. Bryan LaHair, 1B
7. Marlon Byrd, CF
8. Steve Clevenger, C
9. Jeff Samardzija, P
-- Meghan Montemurro
