Spring Training Game Nineteen: Cubs (5-12-1) vs. Indians (7-10-2)
- Game Time – 9:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: WSCR 670 The Score
- Location – Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear
Pierce Johnson (0-2, 13.50, 3.00) vs. Corey Kluber (2-0, 0.00, 0.89)
The Cubs travel to Goodyear for the first time this spring and will face Cory Kluber and the Indians under the lights. Counting tonight, the Cubs have two more games before a much needed break in the Cactus League.
Ben Zobrist is expected back in the starting lineup tonight after missing a couple of days with an ingrown toenail.
The Cubs optioned RHP Pierce Johnson to Triple-A Iowa on Friday as part of 11 spring roster cuts. Johnson gets the start tonight instead of Jake Arrieta. The Cubs had Arrieta throw a minor league game earlier today instead of making the trip to Goodyear.
Len Kasper and Ron Coomer have the call of tonight’s game on 670 The Score. Pat Hughes makes his spring debut Sunday. Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies will be on WGN-TV for the Sunday afternoon practice against the Royals.
Tonight all starts with Pierce Johnson …
Pierce Johnson takes the hill for the fourth time in the Cactus League tonight. Johnson made the start in the spring home opener back on March 4 and pitched one inning of scoreless ball. Johnson has struggled since.
The positive for Johnson beyond the spring numbers is that he is healthy and pitching. Johnson has started the last two seasons on the DL. This is a big developmental year for Johnson, one that must not include multiple stints on the disabled list.
Pierce Johnson has allowed seven runs, six earned, on nine hits with three walks and four strikeouts in four innings over three appearances.
The Cubs get their second look of the spring at Corey Kluber in his fourth start in the Cactus League. Kluber is coming off a four-inning shutout performance against the Rangers. Kluber allowed four hits and walked a batter while striking out four.
Kluber squared off against Jake Arrieta 10 days ago and beat the Cubs. Kluber gave up two hits in three scoreless innings with a walk and four strikeouts.
In three starts, nine innings, Kluber has not given up a run in the Cactus League while surrendering just six hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …