MESA, Ariz. — Kyle Schwarber’s three-run double in the sixth gave the Cubs the lead, and they held on to beat the Angels 9-4 in the first game of a day-night, split-squad doubleheader for their second consecutive Cactus League victory. They faced the Athletics in the late game Monday night.
Not your average Joe: Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon made his first appearance in front of Cubs fans since his firing after five winning seasons that included the historic championship and was greeted with a warm ovation from the crowd and countless hugs and smiles from Cub players and coaches. “It’s very comfortable,” he said. “You talk about wonderful memories. It was five years, but it was a very eventful five years. Nothing to lament. It was wonderful. It was life-altering for me and my family to be part of this organization, the way I was treated.”
Center of attention: Ian Happ struck the latest blow in what’s turning into the best job battle in camp, making a diving catch for the first out of the game and later driving his first homer of the spring over the wall in left-center for the Cubs’ first run in the third. He and Albert Almora Jr. are trading haymakers almost daily in a fight for the centerfield job. Manager David Ross said they have a chance to both earn a share of the job if this keeps up, whether it would be a true platoon or not.
Injury update:Pitching prospect Manuel Rodriguez, a high-velocity right-hander, underwent an MRI on Monday for the biceps injury that forced him out of the game Sunday, with results expected Tuesday.
Kimbrel watch: Closer Craig Kimbrel threw a bullpen session Monday in his final prep work for his Cactus League debut, scheduled for Wednesday against the Reds in Goodyear.
On deck: Cubs at Rockies, Scottsdale, 2:10 p.m., Tuesday, MSN, Jose Quintana vs. Ashton Goudeau.
