The Cubs are ABOUT those ties this spring. This is already their third in Cactus League play, tying the Padres today 2-2.
⇒ Drew Smyly got the start and pitched two clean innings with his unique delivery. He looked solid. I would presume that he’ll pitch three innings the next time through, and then maybe upwards of four in his final spring start. That could leave him theoretically able to pitch four or five innings as the “fifth starter” in that second week of the season. That said, I tend to think the guys at the back of the “starting rotation” are going to be expected only to go three or four innings at the outset of the season, with piggyback arms ready to go behind them. I don’t think Smyly, for example, needs to be hugely stretched out to be helpful to the Cubs early in the season.
First start of the spring for lefty Drew Smyly: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 K, 2 GO. Cubs are up against the calendar, but Smyly's in that category of rotation or multi-inning relief come Opening Day. Should settle in as starter as he gets stretched out.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 26, 2022
⇒ Yan Gomes has gotten a LOT of action early in Spring Training as he, presumably, looks to get in as much time as possible with the pitchers he’s still getting to know. He also went deep today, for good measure:
1st HR of the spring for Yan Gomes!@Yan_AGomes pic.twitter.com/eHifAMrN55
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 26, 2022
⇒ Michael Hermosillo had a couple hits, including a little league homer:
We love a little league home run! pic.twitter.com/FdF55kPsGr
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 26, 2022
⇒ I really don’t want to see Hermosillo squeezed off of this roster – and out of the organization, because he has no options left – because the Cubs are dedicated to giving Jason Heyward one more chance. Maybe healthy dictates it, or maybe some other decision is made about Rafael Ortega. But I’m just saying: if the decision comes down to Heyward or Hermosillo, I would rather see what Hermosillo can do at this point.
⇒ Speaking of the outfield, Clint Frazier got another start in the leadoff spot, so I’ve gotta believe the Cubs really want to see him get as many PAs as possible this Spring so they can evaluate him.
"It's a big year for me. I feel like every year I've gone into it thinking this is the biggest year of my career, but I feel like this really is the biggest year for me."
My full conversation with @clintfrazier during yesterday's game: @WatchMarquee @Cubs pic.twitter.com/2Pd6RmTQI8
— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) March 26, 2022
⇒ Rowan Wick made his second (strikeout-less) spring appearance and was wild, which, shrug. He’s not necessarily a TRULY established guy at this point, but I don’t really have any concerns about his readiness for the season so long as he’s healthy.
⇒ Cayne Ueckert continues to show off big league stuff, and figures to contribute at some point this year:
https://twitter.com/AldoSoto21/status/1507845710300938240
⇒ The sound:
Caissie with a double, Rivas thrown out at plate. pic.twitter.com/QXlRvLrXIB
— Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) March 26, 2022
⇒ Here’s why Nico Hoerner has been seeing extra time at shortstop so far:
Cubs manager David Ross noted this morning that SS Andrelton Simmons is dealing with some right shoulder soreness.
"We just want to make sure we're taking care of his arm."
Simmons has been hitting. DH'd in a game earlier this week.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 26, 2022