Spring Training Game Ten: Cubs (3-6) vs. Reds (4-7)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear
Jason Hammel (0-0, -.–, -.–) vs. Alfredo Simon (0-0, 0.00, 0.40)
The Cubs return to Goodyear this afternoon for the second time in three days. But instead of taking on the Indians, the Cubs will square off against the Reds for the first time in 2014.
The Redlegs have owned the Cubs over the last two-plus years, both in the regular season and in Spring Training. Dusty Baker is no longer calling the shots for the Big Red Machine. Baker was dismissed at the end of last season and has been replaced by their former pitching coach, Bryan Price.
Joey Votto, a disgruntled Brandon Phillips and company have a very good team and should be at the top of the NL Central all season. The Reds are already dealing with injuries this year. Due to Mat Latos’ injury, the Reds are exploring ways to fill his spot in the rotation and the Cubs will see one option this afternoon.
The Cubs won and lost on Friday and will look to string together a little offense today behind Jason Hammel in his first Cactus League start of the spring.
And it all starts with Jason Hammel this afternoon …
Jason Hammel was scheduled to start last Sunday’s game against the Royals at Cubs Park. But when rains in the area washed away Saturday split squad games, Hammel was pushed to the ‘B’ game on Monday morning against the Giants. Hammel tossed two innings of shutout ball while allowing four hits, three of which did not leave the infield.
Chris Bosio has reportedly been very happy with the way Jason Hammel has pitched so far this spring. This afternoon will be his first test against a big league lineup.
Rick Renteria will go with the following starting nine behind Jason Hammel:
- Emilio Bonifacio – SS
- Donnie Murphy – 3B
- Nate Schierholtz – RF
- Welington Castillo – C
- Mike Olt – 1B
- Ryan Kalish – CF
- Darnell McDonald – LF
- Logan Watkins – 2B
- Jason Hammel – P
Brett Jackson, Jorge Soler, Arismendy Alcantara, Jeudy Valdez, Luis Flores, Albert Almora, Christian Villanueva and Matt Szczur are on the travel roster. And Eric Jokisch, Marcus Hatley, Carlos Pimentel and Neil Ramirez are scheduled to follow Jason Hammel to the hill.
Alfredo Simon has thrown the ball extremely well this spring. Simon makes his third Cactus League start this afternoon. In five innings (two starts), Simon has not allowed a hit or a run. Simon has walked two and struck out four batters.
Manny Parra and Sam LeCure are also scheduled to throw today for the Reds.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …