Chicago Cubs, Eddie Butler impressive in shutout win over the Dodgers

Mar 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Eddie Butler (53) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Eddie Butler (53) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs were victorious with a 4-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday afternoon. Eddie Butler was solid, allowing just one hit over his four innings pitched.

The Chicago Cubs played with a “regular season” roster, using only 19 players in their 4-0 shutout over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Eddie Butler‘s change of scenery seems to be doing him well as he pitched four shutout innings to pick up his fourth win of the season. Nine different players had a hit for the Cubs, while nobody had more than that. Spring phenom Ian Happ went 1-for-2 with two walks to keep his hot spring rolling.

Nine different players had one hit for the Cubs (7-9), while nobody had more than that. Spring phenom Ian Happ went 1-for-2 with two walks to keep his hot spring rolling. And it was Butler (4-0, 2.70) who is flashing that potential he had with the Colorado Rockies before the Cubs claimed him off waivers.

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In players battling for a roster spot, it was Matt Szczur who came up with the bigger day between him and Tommy La Stella. Both went 1-for-3, but Szczur drove in the Cubs first run of the game with a RBI single in the first.

Justin Grimm continued his clean spring by tossing one inning without allowing a run. And David Rollins–who may still have an outside shot of making the team out of camp–pitched another clean inning. That gives him 5 2/3 innings this spring with seven strikeouts. It’s going to be a tough road for Rollins but he’s doing what he needs to in order to stay in the conversation.

While Happ didn’t have an amazing day he did show a “softer” side by taking two walks. His chance of making the Cubs out of camp is minimal, but he’s likely to have earned himself a bump to Iowa when the season begins.

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The Cubs will face off against the White Sox on Friday in a St. Patrick’s Day matchup. Duane Underwood, Jr. is expected to take the ball for the Cubs. He’ll face off against Derek Holland. The game is set for a 2:05 p.m. CT first pitch.

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