The Cubs finally get a day off 3½ weeks into camp.
They headed into the one-day break with a 5-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs managed just five hits, led by Ian Happ’s two-run homer in the sixth.
Oscar Colás hit a solo homer in the first for the White Sox in a 1-1 tie with the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch. It was Colás’ second consecutive game with a home run.
Chicago Tribune baseball writers LaMond Pope and Meghan Montemurro will be providing Cubs and White Sox updates throughout spring training.
Hayden Wesneski’s case grows stronger
Right-hander Hayden Wesneski wasn’t about to bask in four perfect innings Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He wasn’t satisfied after self-assessing his third spring start, which ended by striking out the side. Through three Cactus League outings, Wesneski hasn’t allowed an earned run in 8⅔ innings while tallying 11 strikeouts and two walks.
“To be honest with you, I’m throwing good, yes, and the results are really good and I’m working my tail off,” Wesneski said, “but I’m not as refined as I’d like to be, especially during the season, because I’m only throwing in short stints right now so it makes it a lot easier. Some of the guys haven’t seen you before. There’s just a lot of factors that play into why the results are going so well.
“So, yes, I’m getting outs, but it’s not as clean as I’d like.”
Wesneski conceded the three consecutive strikeouts to end his start were satisfying, especially the swing-and-misses he generated from the Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas, Max Muncy and J.D. Martinez.
He knows what’s at stake this spring as he battles for a spot in the opening-day rotation. Manager David Ross said Saturday that “competing for jobs is producing when it matters. That’s what boat those guys are in.”
With 16 spring games remaining, Wesneski is making a strong case for his inclusion. He’s trying to focus on his process to prepare for the season and not get too caught up in the competition.
“Man, I’m fighting it, I really am,” Wesneski said. “I’ve never been in this position, so you don’t know how to treat it. I’ve talked to a bunch of guys about it. I try to get to the right people and ask the right questions. I think I’m handling it well … but it’s not easy.
“It’s just another pressure, but you have to remember it’s the …read more
Source:: The Mercury News