Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs see split squad action vs Angels, Padres

Feb 19, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher

throws (67) during a workout at Cubs Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Today the Chicago Cubs (12-16) will be in split squad action against the Los Angeles Angels (15-10) and the San Diego Padres (9-12) to continue Cactus League play. First game of the afternoon will be against the Los Angeles Angels in Mesa, Arizona with the first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT. Second game will be another late showdown with the San Diego Padres, but this time the Cubs will be the visiting team. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CT.

Taking the mound for the afternoon game against the Los Angeles Angels is left handed pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada. Wada (0-0, 11.12 ERA) has struggled so far and is running out of chances to crack the Opening Day roster. He’s appeared in three games and made one start against the New York Mets on the 15th. Wada was completely hammered by the Mets lineup as he was charged with seven earned runs off 10 hits. The lefty was pulled after five and two-third innings.

Starting opposite of Wada is right handed pitcher Brandon Lyon. Lyon (0-0, 2.70 ERA), has pitched extremely well during Cactus League play. He’s appeared in seven games, picking up his first start against this afternoon against the Cubs. Lyon has only given up five hits in six and two-third innings and has been charged with only two runs. Granted he’s only seen an average of one inning per appearance, his numbers are still great.

Los Angeles will be able to see what he can do in at least four to five innings  straight.

Now here’s a look at the Chicago Cubs starting lineup against the Angels and the Padres:

Now here’s a look at the visiting Los Angeles Angels lineup:

Taking the mound for the Cubs in the late game against the Padres will be pitching prospect C.J. Edwards. Edwards will be making his Cactus League debut, as he’s one of the top pitching prospects in Chicago’s farm system. I’m sure it will be an exciting but yet nervous outing for Edwards, especially knowing he’s going up against a former Chicago Cub in Andrew Cashner.

Casher (2-1, 2.84 ERA), will be making his fifth start of the Spring in just as many games. His last outing was against the San Francisco Giants just five days ago, a game where he pitched through three and two-third innings. So far this Spring, Cashner has pitched pretty well for the Padres. Cashner has three scoreless outings and has given up eight hits with six strike outs in those starts. The Giants were the first team to plate a run against him, kicking his ERA up from zero to 2.84.

Now here’s a look at the San Diego Padres lineup: