The Cubs beat the Reds 6-3, with Shelby Miller starting and throwing another three effective innings. Miller gave up a leadoff homer to Jesse Winker, and then dominated from there.
He’d been cut from big league camp earlier in the day, but here’s my thinking: the fact that he shifted back from pure relief outings to a three-inning start, and the fact that he reportedly has an opt-out in April, tells me the Cubs are stretching him back out so that he can take some specific start in April that they already have scheduled out (unless he’s needed sooner).
The win puts the Cubs BACK ON TOP OF THE CACTUS LEAGUE (tied), WHICH MATTERSSSSSSSS (not really):
Cubs, back on top of the Cactus League like a team of champions. pic.twitter.com/P0raqDWZWp
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 28, 2021
The three second basemen of big discussions yesterday were all in action, with all of Nico Hoerner, Eric Sogard, and David Bote recording at least one hit. Sogard now leads the group in OPS (1.067), with Hoerner and Bote tied (1.036). I say that not because it matters, but because it doesn’t. They’ve all hit really well this spring in barely 40 plate appearances, so you weren’t going to get any useful information to delineate them. I was on board with Hoerner breaking camp with the team if it was going to happen, but it won’t. I am definitely on board with Bote getting a real starting shot, and I’m fine with Sogard being on the bench.
Another scoreless appearance for Rex Brothers, who has yet to allow a run this spring. After yesterday’s moves, it sure seems like he’s making the bullpen.
We got a debut from lefty Ben Holmes, formerly a Marlins and Dodgers prospect who remade himself at Driveline and is trying to get back on track. He allowed a couple hits and a run in the 9th, but also struck out three. Intriguing guy for sure.
The game was not broadcast by either the Cubs or the Reds, so we’re extremely limited in what we can say from this one. In fact, here are your visuals:
Play ball! pic.twitter.com/oBm2jU9IrQ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 28, 2021
#Cubs win! pic.twitter.com/OIIDfSKOle
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 28, 2021
The end of the visuals.