Pregame Notes: Cubs battle Dbacks in final preseason tuneup

Mar 18, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(39) pitches in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs (14-18) will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks (12-12) in their final preseason game of the year this afternoon. The exhibition matchup will take place at the home of the Dbacks, Chase Field, and first pitch is slated for 3:10 p.m. CT.

Right-hander Jason Hammel (1-0, 4.26 ERA) will start for Chicago. The offseason acquisition has made three starts this spring for Chicago, allowing 17 hits in 12 2/3 innings of work, while limiting opponents to six runs during that time. His last start, which came on March 23 against Oakland, was a 4 2/3 inning outing in which he allowed just a pair of runs on eight base hits.

He will be opposed by veteran righty Bronson Arroyo (0-0, 3.00 ERA), who was signed in the offseason to give the Arizona starting rotation more depth as the club looks to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in a very competitive National League West.

Today’s game will be broadcast on CSN, as well as WGN 720.

Here are today’s lineups: