The Los Angeles Dodgers look to rebound from a loss as they take on the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park for the final meeting between the two teams during Cactus League play.
The Dodgers dropped just their fifth game of Spring Training to the Texas Rangers in a 3-1 losing effort on Thursday, bringing their record to 10-5. The Cubs enter play at 10-8, having lost three straight.
Trayce Thompson returns to the Dodgers lineup after representing Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. The 32-year-old had a solid performance in the WBC, including a two extra-base hit performance against Team USA when he slugged a solo home run and double off of Adam Wainwright.
However, Thompson wound up cooling at the plate and overall finished batting .214/.353/.500 with Great Britain.
Ryan Pepiot is on the mound for the Dodgers, making his fourth start of the spring. The 25-year-old shut out the Oakland Athletics in his most recent outing, allowing three hits while totaling four strikeouts.
Pepiot has posted a 1.50 ERA in his previous three starts, with nine strikeouts. The right-hander has made an effort to work ahead of hitters and limit free passes, which he’s done by allowing just one walk in camp.
After Tony Gonsolin suffered an ankle injury, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts alluded to the possibility of their No. 6 prospect making the Opening Day roster at the backend of the rotation.
Pepiot is in his third big league camp and positive results have a lot to do with him having a heightened feeling of comfort in the clubhouse.
Phil Bickford, Adam Kolarek, Tayler Scott and Tyler Cyr are also scheduled to pitch Friday.
Cubs right-hander Hayden Wesneski is set to also make his fourth start of the spring. Holding a 2-0 record with a spotless ERA over 8.2 innings pitched with his most recent start coming against the Dodgers when he threw four perfect frames.
Wesneski made his Major League debut last season, carrying a 2.18 ERA in six appearances (four starts) with 33 strikeouts.
Cody Bellinger makes his first start against his former team as a new member of the Cubs. After spending the first six years of his career with the Dodgers, the former MVP has found a new home on the North Side of Chicago after signing a one-year, $17.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2024.
It’s also Jason Heyward’s first time playing against the Cubs since he was released and signed with the Dodgers.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Jason Heyward
LF: James Outman
CF: Trayce Thompson
3B: Max Muncy
DH: JD Marinez
SS: Chris Taylor
2B: Miguel Vargas
1B: Ryan Ward
C: Patrick Mazeika
Cubs lineup
2B: Nico Hoerner
LF: Ian Happ
SS: Dansby Swanson
RF: Trey Mancini
CF: Cody Bellinger
DH: Eric Hosmer
3B: Nick Madrigal
1B: Matt Mervis
C: Tucker Barnhart
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