As rumors continue to swirl that the front office is working on a new long-term deal for star shortstop Starlin Castro, it's business as usual with the lineup card for Friday night's game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds.
The Reds are coming off a lopsided loss to the New York Mets, but will be sending the always-formidable Bronson Arroyo to the mound on Friday. The Cubs will hope that they can play a bit of spoiler as they field their best lineup against him.
Here are the lineups for Friday night's series opener:
Chicago Cubs:
1. David DeJesus (L) RF
2. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano (R) LF
5. Starlin Castro (R) SS
6. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
7. Brett Jackson (L) CF
8. Steve Clevenger (L) C
9. Travis Wood (R) P
Cincinnati Reds:
1. Zack Cozart (R) SS
2. Drew Stubbs (R) CF
3. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
4. Ryan Ludwick (R) LF
5. Jay Bruce (L) RF
6. Todd Frazier (R) 1B
7. Scott Rolen (R) 3B
8. Ryan Hanigan (R) C
9. Bronson Arroyo (R) P
For more on Chicago sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage on the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. Additional Reds coverage can be found at Red Reporter.
