Spring Training Game Seventeen: Cubs (4-11-1) vs. Diamondbacks (12-3-1)
- Game Time – 6:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: ESPN – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Sloan Park, Mesa
Jason Hammel (1-0, 0.00, 0.67) vs. Archie Bradley (2-0, 4.70, 1.57)
The Cubs square off against the Diamondbacks for the second time this spring under the bright lights of a national television audience on ESPN. Jason Hammel makes his third start in the Cactus League with a majority of the Cubs Opening Day lineup behind him.
Joe Maddon is expected to use the following starting lineup: Dexter Fowler CF, Jason Heyward RF, Ben Zobrist 2B, Anthony Rizzo 1B, Kris Bryant 3B, Kyle Schwarber C, Jorge Soler LF, Addison Russell SS and Jason Hammel P
Jason Hammel is scheduled for five to six innings tonight and will have to deal with the high-powered Diamondbacks offense. Chip Hale’s team beat the Cubs 8-3 back on March 6. Tonight is the last time the Cubs will see the D-Backs again in a game that doesn’t count. The Cubs have four games (April 7-10) at wonderful Chase Field starting on April 7 to wrap up the first road trip of the regular season.
The Cubs were scheduled to face Rubby De La Rosa, but the Diamondbacks decided it was best for De La Rosa to pitch in a minor league game with the Cubs on the schedule early in the season.
Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie have the call on Cubs.com. Rick Sutcliffe and Doug Glanville will be on the World Wide Leader for tonight’s game.
Tonight all starts with Jason Hammel …
Jason Hammel takes the hill at Sloan Park tonight for the third time this spring in the Cactus League. Hammel is coming off back-to-back excellent spring starts. Hammel kept the Royals off the board for two innings on March 7. Hammel walked the first batter he faced and gave up one hit, but that was all.
Hammel dominated the White Sox five days ago. Hammel found a rhythm early and completed four innings of shutout ball while allowing two hits. Hammel struck out four and did not issue a free pass.
In two starts, six innings, Hammel has not allowed a run while giving up three hits and a walk with five strikeouts.
Archie Bradley makes his second straight start in the Cactus League and fourth appearance of the spring. Bradley is coming off a solid outing against the Giants five days ago. Bradley allowed one run on three hits with a walk and a strikeout in three innings.
The Mariners roughed up Bradley over 2 2/3 innings on March 7. Bradley was charged with three runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.
In three appearances in the Cactus League this spring, Bradley has allowed four runs on 10 hits with two walks and six strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.
Archie Bradley should play a significant role for the Diamondbacks this season pitching in the rotation, for now, behind Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller and Patrick Corbin.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …