Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs take on the Colorado Rockies

Aug 4, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(33) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Later on tonight the Chicago Cubs (10-12) will take on the Colorado Rockies (9-10) in late Cactus League action. With Chicago’s loss to the split squad Texas Rangers last night, the team remains four games out of first place. Colorado currently sits in sixth place, only being three and a half games out. Tonight’s game is set to begin at 8:40 p.m. CT and will be shown on the MLB Network.

Taking the mound for the visiting Chicago Cubs will be right handed starting pitcher Carlos Villanueva. Villanueva (1-0, 5.87 ERA) has made three appearances so far this spring. His first appearance of the Spring was back on March 2 against the Kansas City Royals where he pitched through two innings, giving up four hits and being charged with three earned runs. He later picked up another two and two-third innings of work just five days later against the Cleveland Indians.

Villanueva made it through 2 2/3 innings, only allowing two hits but was charged with one earned run. The 30-year-old’s most recent appearance came against the Los Angeles Dodgers just a couple of days ago. He was able to pick up his first victory of the Spring after completing three innings of work, giving up three hits and an earned run.

This will be his first start of the spring.

Starting opposite of Villanueva is 28-year-old left handed pitcher Franklin Morales. Morales (2-1, 3.97 ERA) has pitched fairly well for the Rockies so far this spring. His worst outing came against the San Diego Padres on March 10. Morales was tagged for three earned runs off five hits in only two innings of work, resulting in his only loss.

Now here’s a look at the lineup for the visiting Chicago Cubs:

Here’s the starting line up for the home team, the Colorado Rockies:

Third base prospect Mike Olt will be sitting out tonight’s game due to a sore right shoulder according to Mark Gonzalez of the Chicago Tribune.