Cubs' Kevin Alcántara is competing for an Opening Day roster spot, finally pain-free after offseason surgery

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcántara finally underwent surgery in October to address a sports hernia that he said Wednesday had been affecting him since last February.

“Tough recovery,” he said Wednesday. “But I’m feeling so good right now. I’m continuing to build up for the first game. … I'm feeling strong right now, but I need to continue working on that.”

Alcántara is competing for the fourth outfielder spot this spring, with Justin Dean and non-roster invitees Dylan Carlson...