Spring Training Game Twenty-Six: Cubs (11-14) vs. Reds (11-13)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: WGN-TV – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Internet Channel 846
- Location – Cubs Park, Mesa
Edwin Jackson (1-2, 4.00, 1.22) vs. Tony Cingrani (1-1, 6.39, 1.42)
The Cubs return home this afternoon to take on division rivals the Cincinnati Reds. Counting Saturday, the Cubs have only four more spring games at beautiful Cubs Park.
The Cubs and Reds will not use a designated hitter in today’s game. Cubs’ pitchers should start hitting every day at this point with six of the last nine exhibition games left on the schedule against National League teams.
Rick Renteria posted Friday that Mike Olt would be starting this afternoon’s game at third base. And while Starlin Castro could play in a minor league game today, Castro is not expected back in the Cubs’ lineup until Monday or Tuesday.
The Reds are dealing with a lot of pitching issues. Aroldis Chapman had surgery Thursday and could reportedly start throwing again in 10-14 days. Chapman will obviously miss the start of the season after being hit in the face by a line drive on Wednesday night. Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton will begin the season on the DL and Mat Latos’ status for Opening Day has not been announced. Homer Bailey could also miss the beginning of the year after being slowed by a strained right groin earlier in the spring.
Today’s game can be seen on WGN TV with Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies and can be heard on 7200 WGN with Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer.
This afternoon it all begins with Edwin Jackson …
Edwin Jackson is coming off a spring win against the Angels. Jackson faced a split squad Angels’ team and put together his best outing in the Cactus League. Jackson tossed four innings of shutout ball while allowing three hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Jackson threw strikes and hit his spots. Jackson will face a tougher task this afternoon in the Reds than the team he faced five days ago.
In three Cactus League starts (nine innings), Jackson has allowed four runs on 10 hits with one walk and 11 strikeouts.
Rick Renteria is expected to run out the following lineup this afternoon:
- Darwin Barney – 2B
- Justin Ruggiano – LF
- Anthony Rizzo – 1B
- Mike Olt – 3B
- Nate Schierholtz – RF
- Welington Castillo – C
- Ryan Sweeney – CF
- Donnie Murphy – SS
- Edwin Jackson – P
Tony Cingrani is making his fifth Cactus League start today. The very talented lefty has not fared too well this spring. Cingrani has allowed 11 runs, nine earned, on 12 hits with six walks and 13 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …