Spring Training Game Twelve: Cubs (5-6) vs. Giants (7-4)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale
Jeff Samardzija (0-0, 5.40, 1.60) vs. Matt Cain (1-0, 0.00, 0.33)
The Cubs hit the road today and make the short trip from Mesa to Scottsdale to take on the San Francisco Giants. The Giants decided not to use the designated hitter for this afternoon’s game, so Jeff Samardzija will step into the batter’s box for the first time in game action this spring.
Starlin Castro is expected back in the starting lineup at some point during the upcoming week. And James Russell will reportedly make his Cactus League debut over the next seven days. Speaking of debuts, while Mike Olt is starting at first base today, the Cubs have said he is targeting to move across the diamond and man the hot corner this week.
Barry Bonds is reporting to Giants camp today and will meet with the media. Bonds will be a special hitting instructor for San Francisco for at least the next seven days.
This afternoon all begins with Jeff Samardzija …
Jeff Samardzija makes his third Cactus League start of the spring this afternoon. After a solid first outing against the Diamondbacks, Colorado scored three runs on four hits and a walk against him in his second spring start. Samardzija hit a batter and struck out three in three innings. After his outing, Samardzija said the ball was coming out well and he felt he was warming up when he had to leave the game and turn things over to the bullpen.
Jeff Samardzija should increase his innings to four today in this third spring outing.
Chris Rusin, Tommy Hottovy, Jonathan Sanchez and Brian Schlitter are also on the pitching schedule for this afternoon.
Rick Renteria posted Sunday his starting nine for Monday:
- Emilio Bonifacio – SS
- Ryan Kalish – CF
- Nate Schierholtz – RF
- Mike Olt – 1B
- Donnie Murphy – 3B
- Chris Coghlan – LF
- Ryan Roberts – 2B
- Eli Whiteside – C
- Jeff Samardzija – P
Matt Cain makes his second Cactus League start this afternoon. Cain tossed three innings of shutout ball while allowing only one hit and no walks in his first outing with two strikeouts. Jose De Paula was scheduled to make his first Cactus League start today. De Paula should pitch out of the Giants’ pen after Cain is done. De Paula has not allowed a run in his other two spring outings (three innings) while surrendering only one hit with no walks and three strikeouts.
Michael Morse and Hunter Pence are expected to return to the Giants lineup this afternoon.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …