Morning Marquee: Cubs open spring schedule today
The Chicago Cubs will open their Spring Training schedule Thursday afternoon, doing battle with the reigning World Series champion San Francisco Giants at 2:05 p.m. in a Cactus League showdown.
Jacob Turner, who is considered a long-shot to make the Cubs’ starting rotation, will get the ball in the team’s spring opener – and will be opposed by veteran right-hander Ryan Vogelsong. Last year with Chicago, the former Marlins prospect went 2-4 with a 6.49 ERA in half-a-dozen starts and a pair of relief appearances.
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New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez made his spring debut on Wednesday, collecting a single as part of a 1-for-2 afternoon at the dish. His role with this year’s club remains unclear; reports have mentioned third and first base, as well as an exclusive designated hitter role for the former standout slugger.
The Boston Red Sox’ Rusney Castillo will see some down time in the weeks to come after sustaining an injury and in another face in a new place, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced yesterday that former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins will lead off this year for the club.
In other Cubs-related news, David Ross is set to catch Jon Lester on Friday in the southpaw’s Chicago debut and more delays in the Wrigley Field project have fans and media alike questioning – once again – the business operations side of things.
Here’s the latest.
“A-Rod singles in first spring at-bat” – ESPN
“Emanuel denies latest Cubs’ request” – Cubbies Crib
“Josh Harrison tweaks ankle in Pirates’ loss” – Rum Bunter
“Bats go quiet as Reds fall to Indians Wednesday” – Blog Red Machine
“David Ross to catch Lester on Friday” – Cubbies Crib