Chicago Cubs: Week 1 spring training report

Pitchers

The most notable pitching observation is around lefty Dario Alvarez. Alvarez is part of a group of three or four players fighting over one open bullpen position. In his first couple of appearances (2 IP) he has struck out five but walked three. He will need to command the strike zone to break camp on the active roster.

Cubs starters have looked solid, even with Yu Darvish and Jose Quintana yet to debut. Health continues to be the primary concern for this group. Darvish was scratched from his first spring start (though it should be noted his was an illness, not a physical ailment). Getting through Spring Training with a fresh, healthy staff is what matters, not the numbers.

Here are some additional pitchers of note so far in Cubs camp:

SP Kyle Hendricks (2 IP, 0 ER, 1 HR allowed, 3 K)

SP Tyler Chatwood ( 1 IP, 1 H, 0.00 ERA)

P Alec Mills (3 IP, 0 H, 4 K, 2 BB)

RP Brian Duensing (2 IP, 18.00 ERA, 2 HR allowed)