Cactus League video games present alternatives to impress for gamers vying for roster spots.
That was the case Sunday for Oscar Colás. The Chicago White Sox prospect, competing for the opening in proper subject, singled twice in three at-bats in a 7-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe.
The Cubs additionally dropped their Cactus League sport, falling 9-4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale.
Chicago Tribune baseball writers LaMond Pope and Meghan Montemurro shall be offering Cubs and White Sox updates all through spring coaching.
Justin Steele scratched from begin as precaution
Justin Steele’s spring debut was delayed due to left arm fatigue. It popped up Saturday after he threw a “touch-and-feel” bullpen session Friday. The Cubs are erring on the aspect of warning, supervisor David Ross mentioned.
“He’s thrown a lot so far,” Ross added.
The Cubs’ improved beginning pitching depth is anticipated to assist climate any accidents or efficiency points within the rotation. They don’t wish to should additional take a look at their inside choices whereas already down one starter for opening day with Kyle Hendricks slated to start out the season on the injured checklist as he continues to rehab his proper shoulder.
Ross didn’t sound overly involved about Steele and expects the lefty will throw a bullpen earlier than making his subsequent scheduled begin, which might be the best-case end result.
First pitch-clock violation for Sox up for debate
The Sox had one pitch-clock violation in Saturday’s Cactus League opener, referred to as on Mike Morin within the ninth inning. Manager Pedro Grifol mentioned the ruling was “up for debate.”
“When the catcher comes out to give a sign, there is a window there where the clock gets reset,” Grifol mentioned Sunday. “And (Carlos) Pérez got here out to provide an indication, the clock didn’t get reset and we had a violation.
“They’re going to let us know. But I want to see that kind of stuff happen. … We can talk about it here (in camp), make sure we have our t’s crossed and i’s dotted before we leave.”
Overall, Grifol referred to as the opener “a good first day.”
“We did some good things out there but we also made six or seven mistakes that we wanted to go over,” Grifol mentioned. “We weren’t sharp on our cutoffs and relays. Pop-up priority, we have to address that. PitchCom issues to address. There were some picks we wanted to run that we didn’t. Have to address that.”
Castro famous Yoán Moncada’s at-bats and baserunning as standing out and mentioned Luis Robert was “fundamentally sound” in middle subject.
Sox pitchers concentrate on attacking strike zone
The strategy on the mound, Grifol mentioned Sunday, is “attacking two out of three, which is two strikes out of the first three pitches thrown.”
“(Saturday) we were at 56%, which I know (pitching coach) Ethan (Katz) wants to see that creep up a little bit,” Grifol mentioned. “But the nice factor is we had 11 strikeouts and 10 of them have been profitable two out of three the place we acquired forward two strikes out of the primary three pitches.
“The two walks were where we didn’t execute the two out of three. That’s something we are focusing on. I know Ethan and (bullpen coach) Curt (Hasler) are working really hard with these guys on that. We think that’s really going to help us.”
Grifol was happy with what he noticed from the pitchers Saturday, together with starter Lance Lynn’s three innings (one run, three hits and 4 strikeouts).
“We’re happy with where he is right now,” Grifol mentioned. “(Reliever Kendall) Graveman threw the ball really well (a run and two strikeouts in one inning). (José) Ruiz threw the ball really well (one strikeout in a scoreless frame). It’s a good day on that end.”
Seiya Suzuki’s World Baseball Classic standing unclear
Seiya Suzuki underwent imaging on his left indirect after being pulled out of Saturday’s lineup earlier than the sport due to tightness. With lower than two weeks earlier than Team Japan’s opener in Toyko, there’s a time crunch for Suzuki to be absolutely wholesome to play within the WBC.
The Cubs anticipate to have extra info on Suzuki’s indirect Monday after reviewing the photographs and discussing the state of affairs with medical doctors and trainers. They will formulate a plan from there.
As for whether or not that features Suzuki enjoying for Japan, Ross mentioned it’s “wait and see” about the precise fielder’s standing.
“I don’t want to make any comments on the WBC or anything like that,” Ross mentioned Sunday. “We’ll see what happens and what information we get back.”
What we’re studying this morning
Today’s video games
- Cubs (cut up squad) vs. Guardians, 2:05 p.m., Marquee; at Diamondbacks, 2:10 p.m.
- White Sox vs. Mariners, 2:05 p.m., NBCSCH
Quotable
“I feel comfortable out there. Second day in a row, all the nervousness I could feel (Saturday) was gone.” — Oscar Colás by way of an interpreter after his two-hit day
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Source: www.bostonherald.com