Spring Training Game Three: Cubs (1-1) vs. Reds (2-1-1)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: 670 The Score
- Location – Sloan Park, Mesa
Trevor Cahill (0-0, -.–, -.–) vs. Brandon Finnegan (0-0, -.–, -.–)
The Cubs return to the field this afternoon for their third game in the Cactus League. Trevor Cahill gets the start in the first matchup of the year with the Reds.
Lou Piniella will be at Sloan Park today with the Reds. Piniella is back in the organization that he led to a championship 26 years ago.
Joe Maddon’s starting lineup: Kris Bryant 3B, Anthony Rizzo 1B, Jorge Soler LF, Miguel Montero DH, Shane Victorino RF, Tim Federowicz C, Arismendy Alcantara 2B, Albert Almora Jr. CF and Gleyber Torres SS
Eric Jokisch, Ryan Williams, Armando Rivero, Drew Rucinski and Jean Machi are on the pitching schedule for this afternoon’s game. And Kyle Schwarber, Dan Vogelbach, Jeimer Candelario, Taylor Davis, Willson Contreras, Kris Negron, Juan Perez and John Andreoli are on the lineup card.
670 The Score has this afternoon’s game with Len Kasper and Ron Coomer calling the action for the Cubs’ new flagship. This is the first game broadcast on The Score. Kasper and Coomer also have the call on The Score for Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks. Pat Hughes will be back on the air later in the spring.
Today all starts with Trevor Cahill …
Trevor Cahill turned his career around last August and September with the Cubs. Cahill was very effective out of the bullpen and he passed on starting jobs to return to the Cubs and compete for a spot in the rotation. Cahill will be stretched out and used as a starting and/or for multiple innings this spring.
Cahill was 1-0 in 11 appearances for the Cubs with a 2.12 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 3.13 FIP. Cahill allowed four runs, all earned, on eight hits with five walks and 22 strikeouts in 17 innings.
Trevor Cahill is expected to begin the season in the bullpen as one of several utility pitchers on the Cubs active roster.
The Reds acquired the extremely talented Brandon Finnegan from the Royals along with Cody Reed and John Lamb for Johnny Cueto just before the deadline last summer. Finnegan could be a staple in the Reds rotation for many years to come.
After the trade, the 22-year old lefty was 2-2 in six games, four starts, with a 4.18 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 4.87 FIP. Finnegan gave up 11 runs, all earned, on 21 hits with eight walks and 24 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings.
Last season, Finnegan was a combined 5-2 in 20 games, four starts, for the Royals and Reds with a 3.56 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 4.80 FIP.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …