Game preview: Diamondbacks take on the Cubs (2-27)
The Diamondbacks will take on the Chicago Cubbies in their 4th spring training game of 2023. Games 1 through 3 did not go so well for Arizona as they were outscored a combined 42-18. Let’s hope Monday brings different results…
Cubs lineup:
1. Hoerner 2B
2. Swanson SS
3. Hosmer 1B
4. Wisdom 3B
5. Bote DH
6. Velazquez RF
7. Crow-Armstrong CF
8. Davis, B LF
9. Nunez C
P: Kilian
Quick notes: Swanson has been quiet against the D-backs in his career. In 36 games vs Arizona, Swanson is hitting .250 with 0 HRs, and 5 RBIs. On the flip side, first basemen Eric Hosmer fares well against the D-backs. In 76 games vs Arizona, Hosmer has hit 13 HRs, 43 RBIs, and has a slugging percentage of .447…
For the Cubs, Caleb Kilian gets the ball to start the game. Last year he spent most of his time in triple-A Iowa. In 26 starts there, he went 5-4 with a 4.22 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. Kilian was dominant in single and double A but has yet to find his footing at the highest minor league level. In 3 starts with Chicago last season, Kilian went 0-2 and gave up 13 earned runs in 11.1 innings pitched. Kilian has the potential but he needs a strong spring in order to make the big league roster come opening day…
Diamondbacks lineup:
1. Marte 2B
2. Rojas 3B
3. Gurriel Jr. LF
4. Walker 1B
5. Longoria 3B
6. Kelly C
7. Canzone RF
8. Lawlar SS
9. Fletcher CF
Quick notes: Evan Longoria is probably licking his chops for todays games. In 23 games against the Cubs, Longo has a .280 batting average, 3 homers, 20 RBIs, and 12 runs scored. If he steps into the box with a runner in scoring position, look for him to get his first RBI as a D-back. Another person that loves hitting against the Cubs, Josh Rojas. Josh Rojas boasts a .370 avg, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, and 7 runs scored in 9 games against the Cubs in his career. Doesn’t get much better than that for Ro…
Top prospect Brandon Pfaadt gets the ball for the Diamondbacks today. In 10 AAA starts a season ago, Pfaadt went 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. Those numbers aren’t half bad for a then 23-year-old. The D-backs rotation seems full for now, but if Pfaadt has a good spring and follows that up with elite pitching at triple-A Reno, look for him to get the call to the bigs a couple of months into the season…
The game will be televised on Bally Sports Arizona.