Spring Training Game Fifteen: Cubs (6-8) vs. Dodgers (5-8)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: MLB.TV – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Cubs Park, Mesa
Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 5.40, 1.80) vs. Josh Beckett (0-1, 9.00, 1.60)
The Cubs return to Cactus League action this afternoon following the team’s only off day of the spring. The Cubs begin a stretch today of seven games in four days. After today’s exhibition against the mighty Dodgers, half of the team will go to Las Vegas to take on the Mets for two days during the annual Big League Weekend at Cashman Field. The other half of the roster will stay in the valley and play the Royals in Surprise on Saturday and host the Indians on Sunday. The Cubs third straight split squad day will have half the team hosting the Angels while the rest of the roster makes the short trip to Phoenix Municipal Stadium to take on the Athletics.
The long weekend of Cubs baseball all begins with Kyle Hendricks …
Kyle Hendricks makes his third Cactus League start this afternoon. After struggling with his command against Oakland in his first game, Hendricks pitched a lot better against the Brewers his last time out. Hendricks allowed two runs on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts in three innings to the Brewers. Hendricks showed improvement with his command. For the spring, Hendricks has allowed three runs on four hits with five walks and six strikeouts in five innings. Walks have led to runs for Hendricks and he has to hit his spots in order to be successful against big league hitters.
The Cubs face an old friend today in Josh Beckett. Beckett has struggled this spring to the tune of five runs allowed on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts in five innings (two starts). Beckett said Thursday that he will not miss today’s start after he sprained his right thumb on the clubhouse door nearly two weeks ago. Beckett says he’s healthy after undergoing thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last year. If he is, an excellent Dodgers rotation will be even better on paper when the season starts.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …