Spring Training Game Four: Cubs (2-1) vs. Rockies (2-1)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – HoHoKam Park, Mesa
Edwin Jackson (0-0, -.–/-.–) vs. Jhoulys Chacin (0-0, -.–/-.–)
The Cubs return to HoHoKam Park this afternoon for their fourth Cactus League game. Dale Sveum’s team was solid for five innings on Monday and will look to get back in the win column today against the Colorado Rockies.
Edwin Jackson makes his Cubs debut this afternoon, and will look to begin his Cubs’ career on a positive note. Jackson is in the mix for the Opening Day start, along with Jeff Samardzija and Matt Garza, and should pitch two innings today against the Rockies.
Dale Sveum is expected to run out a lineup that includes Starlin Castro, Alfonso Soriano, David DeJesus and Brett Jackson.
Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie will call the action on Cubs.com
This afternoon it all begins with Edwin Jackson …
Edwin Jackson is coming off a solid year with the Nationals. Jackson may have finished with a sub-.500 record, but he set career highs in strikeouts (168), walks allowed (58) and hits allowed (173). Jackson finished with a 10-11 mark in 31 starts with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. In 189 2/3 innings, Jackson struck out 168 batters, walked 58 and allowed 173 hits. Over his last 15 starts, Jackson was 5-7 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP (92 strikeouts, 28 walks and 88 hits).
Edwin Jackson was brought in to help solidify the Cubs rotation, and give them a reliable pitcher that can throw 200 innings.
Jhoulys Chacin is expected to start this afternoon’s game, with Jorge De La Rosa following him in the Rockies’ pitching rotation for Tuesday … both pitchers will be making their spring debuts. Colorado is depending on both pitchers to bounce back from injury shortened seasons. Chacin dealt with a nerve issue in his chest, while De La Rosa took longer than expected to return from Tommy John surgery in 2011.
Jhoulys Chacin posted a 3-5 record in 14 starts with a 4.43 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP in limited action last year. Jorge De La Rosa made just three starts a year ago, and was 0-2 with a 9.28 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP. Prior to season ending Tommy John surgery in 2011, De La Rosa was 5-2 in 10 starts with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …