MLB news: Cubs spring training notes, Astros rumors, WBC update
By Kevin Henry
Let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes, including tidbits on the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and World Baseball Classic.
We will start in Arizona where the Chicago Cubs entered Thursday’s action riding a seven-game Cactus League winning streak. After downing Great Britain in exhibition play on Wednesday, the Cubs and Cincinnati Reds were scheduled to square off on Thursday in the first meeting of 2023 between the National League Central rivals.
Chicago Cubs spring training: Trey Mancini, pitching stays hot
One of the big reasons for Chicago’s recent spring training success has been the hitting of Trey Mancini. Signed this offseason to a two-year, $14 million deal, the 30-year-old Mancini is looking solid in his first few days in Cubs pinstripes, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Through his first 16 at-bats with the Cubs this spring, Mancini is 9-for-16, leading the team (minimum 15 at-bats) with a .563 average. Those nine hits are tied for second among all Cactus League batters.
Additionally, Chicago’s pitchers have been firing on all cylinders during the winning streak. Cubs pitchers have posted a 2.29 ERA (allowing 16 earned runs in 63.0 innings pitched) while Chicago has been racking up the victories. One of the keys has been the strikeout as Cubs pitchers have combined to whiff 74 batters while walking just 26.