UPDATE (March 12, 10:25 a.m. PT): The Cactus League matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Inclement weather is in the forecast Thursday but if the Los Angeles Dodgers manage to take the field, they are scheduled to play split-squad games against the Oakland Athletics (at Camelback Ranch) and Chicago Cubs (at Sloan Park).
Also potentially impacting play is the coronavirus pandemic. As the NBA and MLS have each suspended their season, there is growing speculation Spring Training could suffer the same fate as early as Thursday.
Nevertheless, having previously announced their 2020 Spring Training broadcast schedule, SportsNet LA will broadcast the matchup with the A’s if play carries on. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. PT.
Meanwhile, MLB Network added the Dodgers’ game with the Cubs to its broadcast schedule. That game also will be carried live, beginning at 1:05 p.m. Although MLB Network telecasts during the regular season are often subject to blackout restrictions in Los Angeles, that will not apply to their Cactus League tilt.
Ross Stripling is making the road start, and he’s going to be opposed by veteran left-hander Jon Lester. The game is Stripling’s fourth of Cactus League play this year, all of which have been starts.
He’s 1-0, allowed just one run and collected five strikeouts without issuing a walk over six innings pitched. Although Stripling continues to make starts, he’s poised for a role out of the bullpen come the regular season.
Upon naming Clayton Kershaw the Opening Day starter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the rotation would be, in order, Walker Buehler, David Price, Julio Urias and Alex Wood.
Like in previous seasons, Stripling figures to be first in line if or when the Dodgers need a spot spot or candidate to fill in because of injury. Stripling’s preference is to be a starter, but he understands value he carries as a versatile swingman.
“We’ve got 10 guys that can make starts at any time, so I’ll be built up if something comes up. If I start in the bullpen, that’s fine,” he recently said. “I’ve always just said as long as I’m in the mix for the opportunity to make starts, you’ll never hear me complain.”
Thursday figures to be Stripling’s final start of the season as he will begin to prepare for a relief role.
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