NEWSLETTER
Does anybody else feel like there are fewer televised games this Spring than usual? I haven’t looked up last season to compare, but it just feels like there’s been less than usual.
I suppose more games tend to be televised as we approach the regular season – and fewer non-regulars populate rosters – so maybe that’s it. In any case, today’s game is not on TV, but you can catch the audio on MLB.com. And on the bright side, the Cubs will have three straight televised games over the weekend, so that’s something to look forward to.
Kyle Hendricks is taking the mound today in his fourth start of the Spring, and I’m expecting him to last relatively deep in this one, especially after going 4.0 innings in his last start against the White Sox. Opposing Hendricks is D-Backs southpaw Robbie Ray. Ray broke out as a 25-year-old last year, earning his first trip to the All-Star game and a top-ten Cy Young finish. He only reached 162.0 IP by the end of the season, but seems to be in a good position to take another step forward this year.
As for the Cubs’ lineup, it’s full of starters today, with Albert Almora getting the leadoff nod against the left-hander as we expect to see during the regular season. Indeed, the only difference between today’s contest and a regular lineup is the absence of Willson Contreras, who’s been substituted out for Victor Caratini.
In fact, it looks like Kyle Hendricks will even be taking his at-bats in this one, so you know the regular season is quickly approaching!
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora, Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Kyle Hendricks, P
Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup:
- Jarrod Dyson, RF
- Chris Owings, 3B
- Hermmann, DH
- Christian Walker, 1B
- Alex Avila, C (Hey, bud).
- Yasmany Tomas, LF
- Daniel Descalso, 2B
- Nick Ahmed, SS
- Socrates Brito, CF
Pitcher: Robbie Ray
