Spring Training Game Eight: Cubs (0-6-1) vs. Dodgers (4-1)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: MLB Network – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Sloan Park, Mesa
Jon Lester (0-0, 0.00, 0.50) vs. Zack Greinke (0-0, -.–, -.–)
The Cubs return home to Sloan Park and will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers today in front of what should be another record-breaking crowd.
Jon Lester takes the hill for the second time in Cactus League play and will face Zack Greinke, for at least two innings. Greinke makes his first appearance of the spring and should go two innings before handing the ball to left-handed phenom Julio Urias.
LHP Julio Urias scheduled to follow Greinke, supposed to be the best lefty pitching prospect if not the best overall pitching prospect in the game.
Anthony Rizzo is back in the two-hole today with Starlin Castro hitting third in Joe Maddon’s lineup. Miguel Montero, not David Ross, is behind the plate.
MLB Network is televising this afternoon’s game, not on a delay, while Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie have the call on Cubs.com.
Today all starts with Jon Lester …
Jon Lester makes his second spring start this afternoon. Lester was spectacular the first time out against the Reds. The Cubs’ lefty gave up one hit and faced the minimum in two innings. Lester pounded the strike zone, struck out three batters and did not give up a walk. Lester was so efficient he had to finish building his pitch count in the bullpen after he left the game.
Jon Lester should go at least three innings today, unless he runs in to problems and hits his pitch limit early.
The Cubs offense will have the challenge of facing Zack Greinke. Greinke makes his first spring start today after being slowed at the beginning of Spring Training. Greinke received a precautionary elbow injection when Dodgers’ camp opened.
It will not get any easier for the Cubs after Greinke leaves the game. LHP Julio Urias is scheduled to follow Greinke. The 18-year old southpaw has dynamic stuff. In 25 appearances, 20 starts, at High-A Rancho Cucamonga last season, Urias struck out 109 batters with 37 walks in 87 2/3 innings. Most in the game feel he’s ready for the majors right now.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …