MESA, Ariz. — A four-run fourth inning that included just one run that was earned helped lift the Rangers to a 5-0 victory over the Cubs at Sloan Park on Thursday, droppingthe Cubs to 5-8-1 in Cactus League play.
Cub scratch fever: A lineup that originally looked like a possible glimpse into Opening Day plans reverted to a classic spring look within hours. Starting pitcher Yu Darvish and second baseman Jason Kipnis both were scratched because of illness and first baseman Anthony Rizzo was later scratched because of a blister on his right middle finger that split open. Kipnis and Rizzo are day-to-day. Darvish was cleared of any flu-related issues at a local hospital and could be back on a mound as soon as Friday.
Center piece?Moving up to the second spot in the order because of the twice-changed lineup, centerfield candidate Ian Happ singled on a slow roller toward third and away from the right-side shift in the first and lined a single toward the opposite-field gap in the third. He finished 2-for-3 (with a strikeout).
Bullpen watch: Veteran right-hander Jeremy Jeffress, the only pitcher the Cubs added on a major-league contract this winter, turned in his third scoreless outing in as many appearances this spring, his velocity creeping up to 92. He gave up only a one-out single to Isiah Kiner-Falafa and struck out Sam Huff to end his inning of work.
Wieck progressing: Lefty reliever Brad Wieck, who underwent cardiac ablation Feb. 24 to correct a heart arrhythmia, expects to play catch against Friday as he continues a light throwing program ahead of a scheduled followup Monday to evaluate the healing of the vein in his leg where the catheter was inserted. “Right now it’s the best-case scenario; everything’s healing well,” said Wieck, who is on board with not rushing to return – even if it means he won’t start the season on time. “Just one of those things. Sometimes crummy stuff happens, and you’ve just got to deal with it and move on.”
On deck:White Sox at Cubs, Mesa, 2:05 p.m., Friday, MSN, 670-AM, Lucas Giolito vs. Jon Lester.
