Cubs-Dodgers projected pitchers and hitters for February 20

According to MLB.com, at least five Cubs pitchers are in line to pitch on Thursday.  Cody Poteet will be on the mound first and then Brad Keller, Daniel Palencia, Jack Neely, and Brooks Kriske are all slated to take the mound afterwards.  For Los Angeles, the Dodgers are expected to roll out Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their starter.

Lineup projections for the Cubs and Dodgers

Offensively, the Cubs only key everyday player expected to play is Michael Busch.  He is entering his second season with the Cubs after being acquired by the Dodgers last off-season.  For Los Angeles, none of their regulars are expected to play.

ABS challenge system will be in play

More big news to know about this match up is that a ball/strike challenge system will be in play.  The ABS (automatic balls and strikes) system will be running in the background as an umpire issues balls and strikes in a traditional fashion.  However a pitcher, catcher, or batter may challenge if they feel the call was wrong.  Each team starts with two challenges.

Following Thursday’s game, these two teams will play each other again on Friday, February 21.  Nine other teams are also scheduled to play that day, but Chicago and Los Angeles will have to wait until Saturday before facing a new opponent.