Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/30/26): Same Lineup as Yesterday, Cabrera Starting

Ryan Johnson, a 23-year-old righty, will take the mound for the Angels against the Cubs' familiar lineup.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:42pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, capturing the energy and movement of a baseball game in an abstract, deconstructed manner.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the Cubs and Angels, with the game's action fractured into a dynamic geometric composition.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs will field the same starting lineup as yesterday's loss against the Nationals, with Edward Cabrera making his Wrigley Field debut on the mound. The Angels will counter with 23-year-old right-hander Ryan Johnson, who made his MLB debut last season with 14 relief appearances after a rapid ascension through the minors.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to bounce back after dropping two of three to the Nationals in their opening series. While it's still early, a loss here could put them in an early hole. Cabrera's performance will also be closely watched, as the young pitcher acquired in a trade is expected to be a key part of the Cubs' rotation this season.

The details

The Cubs' lineup features Michael Busch leading off at first base, Alex Bregman at third, Ian Happ in left, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center, Nico Hoerner at second, Carson Kelly behind the plate, Moisés Ballesteros as the DH, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and Michael Conforto making his Cubs debut in right field. 22-year-old Ryan Johnson, a low three-quarter righty, will start for the Angels, relying heavily on a cutter, sweeper, and sinker rather than his 95 mph fastball. Johnson made a rapid rise through the minors and will be making his first MLB start after 14 relief appearances last season.

  • The game is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026 at 6:40pm CT.

The players

Edward Cabrera

A young pitcher acquired by the Cubs in a trade, making his Wrigley Field debut.

Ryan Johnson

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Angels, making his first MLB start after a rapid rise through the minors.

Michael Busch

The Cubs' leadoff hitter, playing first base.

Alex Bregman

The Cubs' third baseman.

Ian Happ

The Cubs' left fielder.

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What they’re saying

“Dropping two of three to the Nationals wasn't part of the plan for the Cubs, but no season has ever been decided after the first series. Losing three of four will doom them, though, so Monday is a must-win game.”

— Evan Altman, Author

What’s next

The Cubs will look to bounce back and avoid falling to 1-3 on the young season. The performance of Cabrera and the offense against the young Angels pitcher will be closely watched.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between the Cubs and Angels features a pair of young, promising pitchers in Cabrera and Johnson, with the Cubs looking to get back on track after a disappointing opening series against the Nationals.