The Cubs hosted the Rangers for a preview of the season opener (in 14 days!) Thursday afternoon at Sloan Park in Mesa. The home team featured a strong lineup that we could see again in Arlington, with Anthony Rizzo at DH and Victor Caratini taking his spot at first serving as the main changes. Yu Darvish took the mound against his former team for his third start of the preseason.
The four-time All-Star for the Rangers settled down after struggling to command his fastball in the 1st inning. With a fastball sitting in the mid-90’s and great control of his slider, Darvish struck out five through four innings as he continues to come back from an injury-shortened 2018.