MESA, Ariz. — The battle for the fifth starter spot in the Cubs rotation was one of the question marks as camp kicked off. But Cubs manager Craig Counsell isn’t dwelling on it too much.

“We set rosters for one day,” Counsell said before the Cubs’ 8-1 win over the White Sox on Friday. “[But] we can’t survive with five starters. It’s gonna take eight, nine starters for us that are gonna make multiple starts.

“So, we’re gonna make a decision about who’s going to start the first game and there’s gonna be some guys that aren’t happy, but we’re gonna need guys throughout the season.”

That’s something that Friday’s starter Jordan Wicks appreciates.

“It’s relaxing, too because it is different going out there that first time cause you have 4 months of not having that so when you get out there it’s kinda like, ‘OK, I gotta go back into this, get settled in again,’” Wicks said. “That’s the goal early on, is just get back into the flow of game stuff, get back into what goes on and trying to do the little things.”

That freedom allows him to just go out and pitch and not have the added stress of focusing on results and performances in exhibition games.

“I’ve gotta prepare for a season, wherever that may be,” Wicks said as the Cubs beat the White Sox 8-1 in the Cactus League opener. “I got things that I need to clean up personally and for me, it’s just focusing on how I can sharpen myself and be the best version of myself heading into this season. Wherever that is, it is.

“For me, I can only worry about myself and do the best job I can for me and whatever happens, happens.”

He pitched 1.2 innings, allowing 1 run on a solo home run and 2 hits while striking out 1. The main focus for the lefty was implementing his slider, the pitch he had been fine-tuning this offseason.

“You can try to mimic in live [batting practices] and everything you want to, but you don’t really get your true answers till you see it in a game situation against hitters from another team like we did today,” Wicks said. “I was happy with what we saw so far. Just gonna keep building and keep going.”

Counsell’s debut

The Cactus League opener against the White Sox provided plenty of buzz and excitement for the Cubs.

Beyond the opening offensive salvo from the Cubs, it was the first time Counsell led the team in a game.

“I’m excited to be in front of fans probably as much as anything,” Counsell said before the game. “And that means Cubs fans, yeah and in this ballpark, absolutely. I think that’s probably the best part.”

Arguably the biggest move of the Cubs offseason, Counsell’s impact won’t ever be seen in a box score. But Jed Hoyer and the front office believe he is the kind of difference maker that can take them from one game away from a playoff spot to playing meaningful competitive games in October.

That all starts with an exhibition game against their crosstown rival.

“It’s just the next day of our journey together. There’s a little more to this first day of [games] and then by the 6^th inning, we’ll be over that,” Counsell said with a laugh.

The Cubs’ offense did at least make it memorable early on.

They batted around in the 1^st inning, scoring 6 times, highlighted by a 2-run Christopher Morel home run. Designated hitter Joe Hudson (a non-roster invitee catcher) had a 3-run double.

The Cubs’ prospects showed out, too. Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled in the frame and 2023 first-round pick Matt Shaw had an RBI double.

Supporting cast

Jameson Taillon threw live batting practice on Field 2 prior to the Cactus League opener, facing Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki.

During his first at-bat against Suzuki, Taillon threw a breaking ball on a 1-2 count that Suzuki check swung on. After holding up, Taillon yelled out “Good take!” to his teammate. After working a full count, the Cubs right fielder hit a fly ball to left field.

On Deck

The Cubs travel to Scottsdale, Ariz. on Saturday to take on the Giants at 2 p.m. on Marquee Sports Network. Lefty Drew Smyly will start for the Cubs.