Spring Training Game Eight: Cubs (ss) (2-5) vs. Indians (7-1)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Cubs Park, Mesa
Edwin Jackson (0-1, 4.50, 1.50) vs. Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 2.25, 1.00)
Spring Training Game Nine: Cubs (ss) (2-5) vs. Angels (ss) (3-3-1)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: MLB.TV – Radio: MLB.com
- Location – Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe
James McDonald (0-0, 54.00, 6.00) vs. Hector Santiago (0-1, 0.00, 1.13)
It is split squad day for the Chicago Cubs, the second of a scheduled six days this spring the roster will be split up. Rick Renteria will stay in Mesa and call the shots for his team against the Indians. Brandon Hyde will travel with the other half of the team to Tempe Diablo Stadium to take on an Angels split squad. The rest of the Angles roster will make the trip to Scottsdale (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick) to face the Rockies.
Replay will be available to the managers in Tempe and the game can be seen live on MLB.TV.
Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie are on the call in Mesa. Kris Bryant and Javier Baez are in the starting lineup in Mesa and will make up the left side of the infield.
This afternoon starts with Edwin Jackson in Mesa and James McDonald in Tempe …
Spring Training Game Eight: Cubs (ss) (2-5) vs. Indians (7-1)
Edwin Jackson makes his second start of the spring this afternoon. Jackson faced the Royals last Sunday at Cubs Park and gave up one run on three hits with no walks and three strikeouts in two innings. Jackson served up a solo shot to Mike Moustakas, but that was all. Jackson was solid in his first inning of work then struggled with his command during a long second inning.
Edwin Jackson is looking for the consistency this season that has eluded him throughout his career. Maybe a good outing this afternoon will help point him in the right direction. Jackson should be stretched out to three innings this afternoon.
Rick Renteria posted his lineup against the Indians on Friday, here’s how the Cubs will start the game in Mesa:
- Darwin Barney – DH
- Ryan Roberts – 2B
- Anthony Rizzo – 1B
- Justin Ruggiano – RF
- Ryan Sweeney – CF
- Javier Baez – SS
- George Kottaras – C
- Kris Bryant – 3B
- Aaron Cunningham – LF
Carlos Villanueva, Wesley Wright, Blake Parker and Arodys Vizcaino are on the schedule to pitch in Mesa.
The Indians are sending Carlos Carrasco to the hill for the first three innings. Carrasco is battling for a spot in the Indians rotation. And Cleveland is facing a decision with him. Carrasco is out of options and must make the team or the Indians will risk losing him. Carrasco makes his third spring start this afternoon. He has allowed one run on three hits over four innings (two starts) so far this spring. Carrasco is scheduled to throw three innings today and will be followed by Corey Kluber for three innings. Vinnie Pestano and Blake Wood are scheduled to follow Kluber out of Terry Francona’s pen.
Spring Training Game Nine: Cubs (ss) (2-5) vs. Angels (ss) (3-3-1)
James McDonald is making his first start of the spring this afternoon and his second appearance. McDonald faced the Angels in Tempe in the second Cactus League game of the spring, and was rocked. McDonald was charged with six runs on three hits with three walks and no strikeouts in one-plus inning of work. McDonald wasn’t able to record a single out in the fourth inning before Rick Renteria went to his pen. McDonald needs to have a good outing this afternoon in order to stay in the mix for a spot in the Cubs’ rotation.
Brandon Hyde will manage the following starting nine:
- Chris Coghlan – LF
- Luis Valbuena – 2B
- Junior Lake – CF
- Mike Olt – DH
- Chris Valaika – SS
- Casper Wells – RF
- Josh Vitters – 1B
- John Baker – C
- Christian Villanueva – 3B
Tsuyoshi Wada, Jonathan Sanchez, Dallas Beeler and Brian Schlitter are on the pitching schedule for the Angels game … and both Albert Almora and Jorge Soler are on the travel roster.
The Cubs play the Angels for the second time this spring. The Halos and Cubs square off two more times this spring. While Joe Blanton and the other half of the Angels’ roster is taking on the Rockies in Scottsdale, the Cubs will see a familiar face in left Hector Santiago.
The former Southsider makes his second spring start this afternoon after allowing one unearned run on one hit with two walks and three strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings the first time out.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …