Smyly has been told he'll be a starter for the Cubs to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB,com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smyly worked as a starter and as a reliever at times for Atlanta last season, but the Cubs will need the lefty to start with Adbert Alzolay (lat) and Wade Miley (elbow) currently out. The eventual return of those two injured pitchers could push Smyly into a long-relief role, though the veteran could stick in the rotation if he pitches well early in the year.