The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to 5-3 on Friday, dropping a pair of games to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals in split-squad action — ultimately being outscored 22-5 for the day.
Looking to find the win column again, the club heads to Sloan Park to take on the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs for the first time this year. On the mound for the Dodgers is Kenta Maeda, who is making his second start of the spring.
In his first outing against the Colorado Rockies, the right-hander allowed four baserunners (two hits, two walks) and one earned run in two innings of work. Maeda wasn’t concerned with the results of his rusty start, and could be in line for a heavier workload against the Cubs.
Ralston Cash and Brock Stewart are among the Dodgers relievers expected to follow Maeda. Chicago counters with reigning ERA-leader Kyle Hendricks, who is looking to duplicate his success from 2016.
The 27-year-old was among the game’s best starting pitchers last season, posting a league-leading 188 ERA+ and 0.98 WHIP in 190 innings. As a result of his breakout campaign, Hendricks finished third in National League Cy Young voting.
Saturday’s start is Hendrick’s first of the spring. Also scheduled to make their 2017 debuts for the Cubs are relievers Carl Edwards Jr., Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop.
Andre Ethier makes a second consecutive start and is back in the leadoff spot. He’s followed by Chase Utley and Joc Pederson. Kiké Hernandez and Andrew Toles are other notables in the Dodgers lineup.
Maeda faces several of the Cubs regulars, including leadoff hitter Jason Heyward, Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell.
Saturday’s game is being televised by SportsNet LA and WGN. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. PT.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Andre Ethier
2B: Chase Utley
CF: Joc Pederson
SS: Kiké Hernandez
RF: Andrew Toles
1B: Rob Segedin
3B: Charlie Culberson
C: Bobby Wilson
DH: Tyler Holt
Cubs lineup:
DH: Jason Heyward
3B: Kris Bryant
2B: Ben Zobrist
LF: Kyle Schwarber
SS: Addison Russell
C: Miguel Montero
CF: Jon Jay
1B: Jeimer Candelario
RF: Matt Szczur
