Dexter Fowler went 3-for-3 and had one of four home runs as the Cubs outslugged the Brewers 11-7 in Mesa. Anthony Rizzo smacked a three-run homer in the win. Jason Hammel struck out five over five innings of one-run ball. The Cubs have today off. They will play the Diamondbacks tomorrow and Saturday at Chase Field before opening the regular season Sunday against St. Louis.
The Cubs are trimming their roster. The team optioned pitchers Brian Schlitter and Zac Rosscup, and outfielder Junior Lake to Triple-A Iowa yesterday. The roster is now down to 32 players. Manager Joe Maddon said he expects to finalize the roster by tomorrow
The White Sox split their two games yesterday. Avisail Garcia went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and four RBI as the Sox mauled the Mariners 12-4 in Peoria. Gordon Beckham also had three hits, two RBI and scored twice in the win. Jeff Samardzija was tagged for five runs in four innings as the Sox lost 8-2 to the Padres in Glendale. The Sox face the Diamondbacks today in Scottsdale.
The White Sox assigned pitchers Jesse Crain and Carlos Rodon to minor league camp yesterday. Rodon, the number-one prospect in the organization, will start the year at Triple-A Charlotte. Meanwhile, manager Robin Ventura announced pitcher Matt Albers, catcher Geovany Soto and infielders Micah Johnson and Carlos Sanchez have made the Opening Day roster.
