The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers meet for a second time in four days, though Saturday’s matchup doesn’t have quite the same buzz as the first game, when Yu Darvish made his 2018 debut against his former teammates.
Nonetheless, Rich Hill taking the mound under the lights in front of a sold-out crowd at Camelback Ranch is reason enough to tune in. The start is just Hill’s second of the spring, as he spent the first couple weeks focused on bullpen sessions and a stretched-out simulated game.
Hill allowed one run on one hit, and had four strikeouts over three innings against the Cleveland Indians. Hill is using the spring to further refine and perfect the various arm angles and velocities of which he throws his fastball and curveball.
Pedro Baez, Walker Buehler and Yimi Garcia are among the relievers expected to pitch back of Hill. For Buehler, it will mark his 2018 Cactus League debut. He pitched in a “B” game earlier this week.
The Cubs counter with Luke Farrell, who is making his fourth Cactus League appearance but first start. The right-hander has allowed just two runs, both coming on solo home runs, in four innings pitched thus far.
Because of the depth in the Cubs’ starting rotation and bullpen, Farrell figures to begin the season in the Minors. He was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Kansas City Royals last July, though only appeared in one game for Triple-A Oklahoma City before being claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
With the Cubs in split-squad action, their traveling roster and lineup is light on expected regulars. Hill will get to face Ian Happy and Peter Bourjos. Conversely, the Dodgers have Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger and Yasiel Puig in their lineup.
So too is Jake Peter, who is 7-for-19 with one double, one triple, three home runs and a team-leading 12 RBI.
Dodgers lineup:
CF: Chris Taylor
DH: Andrew Toles
1B: Cody Bellinger
RF: Yasiel Puig
LF: Joc Pederson
C: Austin Barnes
SS: Kiké Hernandez
3B: Rob Segedin
2B: Jake Peter
Cubs lineup:
CF: Ian Happ
LF: Peter Bourjos
SS: Addison Russell
1B: Efren Navarro
3B: David Bote
DH: Mark Zagunis
2B: Chesny Young
C: Ali Solis
