After an increasingly rare spring loss to the Dodgers yesterday, the Cubs are heading to their old Spring Training home, Hohokam Stadium, to take on the Oakland A’s this afternoon.
Yu Darvish is getting the start for Chicago, in his second appearance of the Spring, and will probably hope to go about 3.0 innings in this one (remember, he missed his first start of the season, so he’s one behind the rest of the rotation).
Starting opposite Darvish is former top prospect Sean Manea. Manea, 26, is about to start his third season in the Major Leagues, and while he’s had two somewhat solid seasons, I’m sure the A’s are hoping he finally turns the corner and pitches 175+ IP for the first time with a slightly better results.
The lineup features a lot of regulars, including Albert Almora back at the top (he hasn’t gotten as many looks there lately, as he did at the beginning of the season). He’s followed by Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, and Kyle Schwarber. Catcher Chris Gimenez grabs yet another start behind the plate, and is beginning to feel more and more like a lock to backup Willson Contreras this season.
Of course, his biggest competition for the role, Victor Caratini, is batting right behind him as the DH – it still feels like Gimenez’s job to lose, though.
This game isn’t being televised, but with an off-day tomorrow, you’ll want to at least listen to it on MLB.com.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Victor Caratini, DH
- Ryan Court, SS
Pitcher: Yu Darvish
Oakland A’s Lineup:
https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/972879202784493568