Spring Training Game Twenty: Cubs (8-10-1) vs. Mariners (8-7-2)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: WBBM 780-AM
- Location – Sloan Park, Mesa
Eric Jokisch (0-0, 7.20, 1.40) vs. Felix Hernandez (0-0, 0.00, 0.50)
The Cubs return to Sloan Park after three days on the Spring Training road. And what was billed as a matchup between Jon Lester and Felix Hernandez changed unexpectedly Friday afternoon when the Cubs announced Lester was dealing with a dead arm.
Jon Lester is supposed to miss only one spring start and is expected back on the mound Thursday afternoon.
Eric Jokisch gets the ball today and will have a chance to show Joe Maddon how he can perform as a starter and not a Spring Training reliever.
While Jon Lester was the story Friday, all eyes will be on Kris Bryant this afternoon. Bryant is expected to be at third base after passing tests on his shoulder Thursday.
Len Kasper has the call on WBBM with Ron Coomer today … and the moving pictures from Sloan Park return for Sunday’s matchup against the Padres.
This afternoon all starts with Eric Jokisch …
Eric Jokisch makes his third appearance and first start of the spring today. After just a miserable outing against the Rangers on March 8, Jokisch was very good a week ago Friday in Las Vegas. Jokisch gave up four runs on six hits with a strikeout in two innings to the Rangers … and the ball hit by Joey Gallo still hasn’t landed yet.
Jokisch followed Jake Arrieta in Las Vegas and kept the A’s off the board for three innings. Jokisch did not allow a hit, walked one and struck out three.
With the Cubs starting pitching depth being tested, Eric Jokisch has quickly moved up the depth chart. A follow-up to his last outing this afternoon subbing for Jon Lester would just improve his stock.
Felix Hernandez takes the hill in a Cactus League game for just the second time this spring. One of the best pitchers in the game tossed two scoreless innings against the Rockies in Scottsdale on March 10. Hernandez walked one, didn’t give up a hit or strikeout a batter.
Hernandez completed 3 1/3 innings in a Minor League intrasquad game on March 15 and is expected to pitch four innings today. Fernando Rodney and Tyler Olson are also scheduled to pitch for Lloyd McClendon this afternoon.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …