Spring Training Preview: Cubs, Dodgers Meet For Final Time

With an .800 winning percentage that’s pacing the Cactus League, the Los Angeles Dodgers play host to the Chicago Cubs Wednesday afternoon in the final Spring Training meeting between the two teams.

The Dodgers haven’t suffered a loss in their last six games, though it should be noted two games during the stretch have ended in a tie. Zack Greinke made his spring debut March 11 in Mesa, Az., against the Cubs — a game which the Dodgers fought back from a 3-0 deficit, only to give up the go-ahead and decided run in the eighth inning.

Brandon McCarthy (0-0, 3.60 ERA), makes his third start of the spring. The right-hander has thrown a combined 5.0 innings and allowed two runs in his previous two starts. Coincidentally, McCarthy made his Major League debut against the Cubs in May of 2005.

Given that McCarhty has gone 2.0 and 3.0 innings in his previous starts, look for him to perhaps extend into the fourth inning on Wednesday; pitch count permitting. Scheduled to pitch in relief of McCarthy are Mike Adams, Adam Liberatore, Dustin McGowan and Sergio Santos.

Taking the mound for the Cubs is Jake Arrieta, who enters his third season with the club. The 29 year old split his first two starts and holds a 1.50 ERA this spring. Over his five-year career, Arrieta is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts against the Dodgers.

As manager Don Mattingly continues to rest players after they’ve played in two consecutive games, Wednesday’s lineup very much features expected every day starters. Carl Crawford, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig makeup the outfield, while Adrian Gonzalez, Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins and Juan Uribe man their respective positions in the Dodgers’ infield.

Should Wednesday’s game end in a tie, it would be the sixth of the spring for the Dodgers and set a new franchise record.

Dodgers lineup:

SS: Jimmy Rollins

LF: Carl Crawford

RF: Yasiel Puig

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

2B: Howie Kendrick

DH: Andre Ethier

3B: Juan Uribe

CF: Joc Pederson

C: A.J. Ellis

P: Brandon McCarthy

Cubs lineup:

LF: Chris Coghlan

3B: Arismendy Alcantara

1B: Anthony Rizzo

RF: Jorge Soler

2B: Tommy La Stella

C: David Ross

SS: Addison Russell

CF: Albert Almora

P: Jake Arrieta

Brandon McCarthy Discusses First Spring Training Start