Pregame Notes: Split-squad Chicago Cubs teams in action once again

Mar 12, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

James McDonald

(55) pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs (9-10) will split the roster up again today, playing a pair of Cactus League games against the Oakland Athletics (8-8) and Los Angeles Angels (8-9). First pitch for both contests is slated for 3 p.m. CT.

James McDonald (0-0, 12.71 ERA) will take the hill against Oakland, searching for his first win of the spring, and will be opposed by offseason acquisition Scott Kazmir (0-0, 0.00 ERA). In the tilt between the Angels and Cubs, Edwin Jackson will make the start, and will face off against Joe Blanton.

Two key notes looking at today’s contests: Top prospect Javier Baez will make his first start at second base this afternoon and infielder Mike Olt will sit out today due to shoulder fatigue that is not considered serious.

Here are this afternoon’s lineups:

First for the matchup at Cubs Park between Chicago and Los Angeles.

#Cubs vs. Angels: Bonifacio SS, Roberts 2B, Riz 1B, Ruggiano CF, Schierholtz RF, Castillo C, Sweeney DH, McDonald LF, Valbuena 3B, EJax P
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 17, 2014

#Angels 3/17 road lineup vs CHC:
Romine 4
Boesch 9
Conger 2
Stewart 5
Tracy DH
Pena 3
Cowgill 8
Long 7
McDonald 6
Blanton 1
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) March 17, 2014

And for the matchup at Phoenix Municipal Stadium between the Cubs and Athletics.

New #Cubs vs A's: Lake CF, Barney SS, Kalish RF, Valaika 1B, Baez 2B, Villanueva 3B, Vitters DH, BJax LF, Whiteside C
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 17, 2014

The #Athletics lineup for today against the #Cubs pic.twitter.com/PSNlk73ljm
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) March 17, 2014

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