Spring Training Preview: Dodgers Host Cubs In First 2023 Game At Camelback Ranch

After suffering a 7-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in their 2023 Spring Training opener, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their Cactus League schedule with a matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch.

Sunday’s game is the Dodgers’ first at home this spring.

They hand the ball to Robbie Erlin, who re-signed with the organization on a Minor League contract during the offseason after making 21 appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City last year.

Erlin went 5-4 record with a 7.01 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 77 innings pitched. He also made two relief appearances with the Dodgers, allowing two runs and two hits in two innings of work.

Shelby Miller, Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia are among those scheduled to appear out of the Dodgers bullpen.

The Cubs counter with Javier Assad, who split the 2022 season between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. He went a combined 5-3 with a 2.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 108.1 innings (23 games, 21 starts).

The right-hander also had a brief cameo with the Cubs, going 2-2 with a 3.11 ERA, 4.49 FIP and 1.46 WHIP across 37.2 innings (nine games, eight starts).

Freddie Freeman and David Peralta are in the Dodgers lineup for a second consecutive day as both continue to prepare for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Miguel Rojas gets an opportunity to start at shortstop, and Michael Busch is playing second base. Trayce Thomspon is starting in center field and Chris Taylor mans left field, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the alignment was not indicative of what could come in the regular season.

The Dodgers are facing Zach McKinstry and Edwin Ríos, but not Cody Bellinger.

Dodgers lineup

SS: Miguel Rojas
1B: Freddie Freeman
LF: Chris Taylor
3B: Max Muncy
C: Austin Barnes
RF: David Peralta
CF: Trayce Thompson
2B: Michael Busch
DH: Jonny DeLuca

Cubs lineup

3B: Nick Madrigal
2B: Zach McKinstry
1B: Matt Mervis
DH: Edwin Ríos
SS: Christopher Morel
LF: Mike Tauchman
RF: Nelson Velázquez
C: Tucker Barnhart
CF: Ben DeLuzio

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