Pirates lineup v Cubs (and Jason Hammel):

• LF: Starling Marte
• RF: Travis Snider
• CF: Andrew McCutchen
• 3B: Pedro Alvarez
• C: Russell Martin
• 2B: Neil Walker
• 1B: Travis Ishikawa
• SS: Jordy Mercer
• P : Wandy Rodriguez

The biggest early-season surprise, easily, is how Ishikawa has moved in and made himself at home. Sure, the fact the Pirates have faced nothing but right-handed pitchers accommodates him — but, make no mistake, if he hadn’t hit out of the gate, Clint Hurdle would’ve worked around him.

Ishikawa bought a major leash with his two-hit game on Opening Day. And he’s kept hitting (.294) and getting on base (.350).

This must be tough on Gaby Sanchez — even though he will get a start Thursday, when the Bucs finally get a lefty (Travis Wood).

I’ll get Gaby’s thoughts on this pre-game today.

Check out Pirates.com later to see what he has to say.