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.