March 7, 2017

Daily Herald, For Chicago Cubs, Contreras moves in to No. 1 behind plate http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170306/sports/170309245/

Cubs.com, Arrieta's focus on helping Cubs, not contract http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/218181138/jake-arrieta-doesnt-want-contract-to-distract/

Cubs.com, Kawasaki plates 3 in big 4th against Halos http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/218175364/cubs-erupt-early-hold-off-late-angels-rally/

Cubs.com, After slow start, Heyward's hard work pays off http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/218191804/jason-heyward-homers-for-first-hit-of-spring/

Cubs.com, Tough Cubs debut doesn't concern Davis http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/218180828/closer-wade-davis-on-his-first-cubs-outing/

Cubs.com, Sore left calf causes Almora to exit early http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/218238220/albert-amora-comes-out-due-to-left-calf-issue/

ESPNChicago.com, New MLB hazing policy has Cubs searching for alternatives http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/43409/new-mlb-hazing-policy-has-cubs-searching-for-alternatives

ESPNChicago.com, Cubs' Jason Heyward breaks out of slump after starting 0-for-15 http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18839542/chicago-cubs-right-fielder-jason-heyward-breaks-spring-training-slump

ESPNChicago.com, Go inside the moment when the Cubs looked like the Cubs again http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/43398/solid-signs-for-cubs-in-one-spring-victory

CSNChicago.com, Jake Arrieta Tuning Out All The Contract Noise — And Butterflies — In Cubs Camp http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/jake-arrieta-tuning-out-all-contract-noise-and-butterflies-cubs-camp

CSNChicago.com, With Weight Off His Shoulders, Jason Heyward Convinced He's Moving In The Right Direction With Offensive Struggles http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/weight-his-shoulders-jason-heyward-convinced-hes-moving-right-direction-offensive

Chicago Tribune, So far, so good for Cubs’ Jeimer Candelario http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jeimer-candelario-spring-training-20170307-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs' Jason Heyward hopes two hits can help him break out of slump http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jason-heyward-slump-spt-0307-20170306-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Monday's recap: Cubs 13, Angels 10 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-anthony-rizzo-returns-to-cubs-lineup-20170306-story.html#nt=simple-embed

Chicago Tribune, Jake Arrieta isn't worried about a new contract. Should Cubs fans be? http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-jake-arrieta-contract-sullivan-spt-0307-20170306-column.html

Chicago Tribune, Cubs closer Wade Davis not concerned after rocky spring debut http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-wade-davis-rocky-debut-cubs-bits-spt-0307-20170306-story.html

Chicago Sun-Times, Hitless no more: Heyward homers, doubles to snap spring skid http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/hitless-no-more-heyward-homers-doubles-to-snap-spring-skid/

Chicago Sun-Times, Sinking-in feeling: Could this be Arrieta’s last year with Cubs? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/sinking-in-feeling-could-this-be-arrietas-last-year-with-cubs/

Chicago Sun-Times, Arrieta debuts, Heyward homers as Cubs top Angels 13-10 http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/arrieta-debuts-heyward-homers-as-cubs-top-angels-13-10/

-- Daily Herald For Chicago Cubs, Contreras moves in to No. 1 behind plate By Bruce Miles It would be difficult to imagine a more auspicious big-league debut than the one Willson Contreras experienced last June. In his first major-league at-bat, Contreras hit the first pitch he saw out of the park for a 2-run homer against the Pirates. Easy game, huh? No, it's never that easy, but Contreras is learning his craft and by all accounts he has been a quick study. That will be important for the Chicago Cubs this year because the entire dynamic behind the plate has changed. Respected veteran David Ross retired after the World Series, leaving the catching duties to second-year man Contreras, veteran Miguel Montero and that kid named Kyle Schwarber. Given good health, Contreras will get the bulk of the catching duties. Montero will be the primary backup, and Schwarber will ease his way into third-catcher duties as he comes back from major knee surgery performed last April after a collision that happened while he was playing left field. So far, everybody seems to be on board with the program. Contreras is happy to be the No. 1 catcher. Montero, who expressed dissatisfaction with how he was used in the postseason, ironed things out with manager Joe Maddon during a pasta-and-vino summit. And Schwarber seems happy to be playing anywhere. Contreras certainly puts a charge into the Cubs' battery. In 55 games last season, he compiled a hitting line of .282/.357/.488 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI. Even in limited time, he had a wins above replacement (WAR) of 2.2, according to FanGraphs. That was good for seventh among National League catchers.

He's a ball of energy behind the plate, which can be both a good and a bad thing. The Cubs have a veteran pitching staff, and those pitchers like a steady hand catching them. On top of that, Contreras will be the primary catcher for ace lefty Jon Lester, who threw to Ross the past two seasons. Lester made his spring debut Sunday, working with Contreras. "We'll figure it out," Lester told reporters. "It's just a matter of throwing innings and pitches and all that stuff. I'm not concerned with it at all. Willie's such a good kid and cares, and he wants to learn and get better. I don't see any reason why this is ever going to be an issue for anybody." According to Maddon, controlling the opposing team's running game will be a key factor, especially given Lester's well-known problems throwing to first on attempted pickoffs. Ross and Lester were able to halt the running game effectively by having Lester step off the mound and by having Ross work with first baseman Anthony Rizzo. "We're going to have David mentor (Contreras) a little bit regarding the thought, the process, the conversations he's had with Jonny in the past," Maddon said, "and continue to move it forward from there. We feel really good about it. I think it's a real naturally good matchup with Willson and Jon." Contreras is a right-handed batter, and both Montero and Schwarber hit left-handed. Montero had a line of .216/.32.357 with 8 homers and 32 RBI last year, but he added some big hits in the postseason and could provide an attractive option for Maddon when the opponent throws a tough right-hander at the Cubs. Schwarber sits in on the daily catchers meetings in spring training, but he does physical work behind the plate just once or twice a week. Given Schwarber's powerful bat, the Cubs will take no unnecessary chances with his knee. -- Cubs.com Arrieta's focus on helping Cubs, not contract By Carrie Muskat TEMPE, Ariz. -- Jake Arrieta admitted he had a few butterflies before his first spring outing Monday, and they had nothing to do with the fact this might be his last season with the Cubs. Arrieta will be a free agent after this season, and he's trying to keep the focus on baseball, not his contract status. "The 25, 24, 30 other guys in the clubhouse don't need to hear about my contract," Arrieta said after pitching two innings against the Angels in a 13-10 Cubs victory. "It's just a distraction. If we have a conversation about it, then great. If not, that's fine, too. I try to keep the focus on the team and go from there." He didn't take the mound at Tempe Diablo Stadium feeling sentimental about this possibly being his last spring with the Cubs. "It's not something I sit down and think about at length," Arrieta said. "It's a situation many players have been in in the past. They've dealt with it. It might not be something fun to talk about. I understand it's a circumstance of where I'm at in my career. The time is coming to a point where either a deal gets done or I go to free agency. The focus needs to be for the next eight months being a Chicago Cub and trying to do the best job I can individually and help my guys be the best they can be." "It's going to work out well for him," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "The biggest thing is that he has a free and clear mind when he goes out to the mound. I think he will. He knows he has our support. ... Let's hope it works out well for him and the Cubs."

Arrieta, who turned 31 on Monday, gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits, including a solo home run by the Angels' Jefry Marte in the second, in his two innings. "I feel great," Arrieta said. "I still feel the same way I felt when I was in my early 20s. You hear age is just a number. I believe it is. Thirty-one doesn't sound great, but I still feel great. That's all I'm worried about." It must be all that kale he eats and pilates he does between starts. In 2015, Arrieta won the National League Cy Young Award, winning 22 games and posting a 1.77 ERA in 33 starts. Last year, he went 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA. "The biggest difference for me last year was command of his fastball," Maddon said. "If he had had the command of his fastball last year that he had the year before, then [2016] would've been pretty significant." An increase in walks in 2016 from the previous year bothered Arrieta, who did lead the NL in batting average on balls in play (.242). He's got a few more starts in Arizona to work on his mechanics. "For the first one, the result wasn't exactly what I would've liked, but getting the work in is the only thing that matters at this point," Arrieta said. -- Cubs.com Kawasaki plates 3 in big 4th against Halos By Maria Guardado and Carrie Muskat TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Cubs erupted for seven runs in the fourth inning in a 13-10 victory over Angels on Monday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Jason Heyward snapped an 0-for-15 start to Cactus League play by crushing a solo home run off Angels starter Jesse Chavez in the second and finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Munenori Kawasaki drove in four, while Ben Zobrist went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and Carlos Corporan went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Angels third baseman Jefry Marte collected two RBIs and hit his second home run in as many days, a solo shot off Cubs ace Jake Arrieta in the second. Shane Robinson went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Yunel Escobar, Martin Maldonado and Michael Hermosillo each chipped in an RBI. Danny Espinosa walked and stole home in the third. Arrieta celebrated his 31st birthday by making his first spring appearance. He gave up five hits, including the homer to Marte, in two innings. "I feel great," Arrieta said. "I still feel the same way I felt when I was in my early 20s. You hear age is just a number. I believe it is. Thirty-one doesn't sound great, but I still feel great. That's all I'm worried about." Chavez, who is fighting for the fifth spot in the Angels' rotation, surrendered three runs (two earned) on seven hits while striking out three over 2 1/3 innings. "I think I had a little bit of uncontrollable movement, for me, compared to what I was throwing down in the bullpen before the game," Chavez said. "With the movement I had today, the sinker was just starting between the white lines, the plate and the hitter's box. Normally I like to start from the black to the white lines. Today I just wasn't able to find that release point with the movement I had." Angels right-hander Alex Meyer, another rotation hopeful, couldn't make it out of one inning after entering in the fifth. Meyer walked four and allowed a triple to Kyle Schwarber and a double to Zobrist before being lifted with two outs. He was charged with three runs. Manager Mike Scioscia said before the game that he hoped Meyer would be able to pitch three innings in his second appearance. Relievers Andrew Bailey and Greg Mahle also had rough days for the Angels. Bailey, a contender for the club's closer job, took over in the fourth and gave up four runs on one hit and three walks over two-thirds of an inning. Mahle followed, but he also struggled, allowing three runs on three hits over one-third of an inning.

There were also injuries for both the Angels and Cubs. Cameron Maybin was originally penciled in to start at left field for the Halos, but he was scratched with minor right shoulder fatigue. Chicago center fielder Albert Almora Jr. also exited early with left calf soreness. Cubs Up Next: The Cubs will take a break from Cactus League play and face Team Italy on Tuesday at Sloan Park. John Lackey makes his first spring start and Anthony Rizzo, who played for Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, is expected to play. First pitch is 2:05 p.m. CT in an exclusive audio webcast on cubs.com. Angels Up Next: The Angels will have an off-day Tuesday before resuming Cactus League play against the Reds on Wednesday at Goodyear Ballpark. Right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who allowed one run over two innings against the Giants last week, is slated to make his second start of the spring. First pitch is 12:10 p.m. PT on MLB.TV and Gameday Audio. -- Cubs.com After slow start, Heyward's hard work pays off By Carrie Muskat TEMPE, Ariz. -- It is Spring Training, but after all the time and effort Jason Heyward devoted this offseason to reworking his swing, going 0-for-15 still hurt a little. "[Going] 0-for-15 will get you whenever," Heyward said. He ended that skid Monday when the Cubs outfielder led off the second inning against the Angels with his first hit, a home run over the right-field fence at Tempe Diablo Stadium in a 13-10 Cubs victory. Heyward didn't stop there, adding a two-run double in the fourth. He knew the hits would come. "Every day in [batting practice], I feel amazing, so it's just putting it together at game speed and working to do that and working hard and working smart," Heyward said. "It gives you that vote of confidence that you know you're going to get it done. You just have to keep going, and keep trying to find that right timing." The home run gave Cubs fans at the game something to cheer about. Heyward was happier about the double off Angels lefty Greg Mahle. "I'm in love with that one," Heyward said. "Those are much tougher to come by, especially with two outs, in those situations. It's good to get back to back tough lefties." All spring, Heyward has said he's felt good at the plate after spending the winter at the Cubs' complex working on his swing with hitting coaches John Mallee and Eric Hinske. After batting .230 and hitting a career-low seven home runs last season, his first with Chicago, Heyward felt he had to do something. The goal has been to get back to his 2012 form when he hit a career-high 27 home runs. "It'd be weird if I was trying to do something I've never done," Heyward said. This spring, he's been playing in games for two days, then taking a day off to hit in the cages. "I feel like the last couple days, we've gone in the right direction -- we've been going in the right direction all along -- but the last piece was timing and feeling that out and me being able to tell myself when to go and when to get ready," Heyward said. "Today, I got to see myself and feel myself in game action do it the right way and give myself enough time to take good swings and fight off a tough pitch and get to the next pitch." What may have helped a little is not batting leadoff. The Cubs have had Heyward at the top of the order to give him more at-bats but he batted fifth Monday.

"I feel like when you hit later in the lineup, you get a chance to see the game, feel the game out, see the starter, get some pitches," Heyward said. There were lots of positives Monday, and that's all the Cubs are hoping for. -- Cubs.com Tough Cubs debut doesn't concern Davis By Carrie Muskat MESA, Ariz. -- Last spring, Wade Davis gave up one run over nine innings in nine Cactus League outings with the Royals. In his first appearance this year Sunday with the Cubs, it was a different story as he was charged with three runs on three hits and one walk over one-third of an inning. The new Cubs closer wasn't concerned. "I don't know what my Spring Training has been like as far as numbers," Davis said Monday. "Whatever happens here, I guess doesn't really matter." The Cubs will wipe the slate clean when the regular season begins April 2 against the Cardinals. For now, Davis is still learning his new teammates' names. On Sunday, he got the inaugural jitters out of the way. "It's definitely different that first time [pitching]," Davis said. "It feels like you haven't done it forever. You're not sure how the hitters are going to react." He entered in the third and walked Carlos Gomez, then gave up single to Shin-Soo Choo, an RBI single to Nomar Mazara, and an RBI single to Mike Napoli. Davis struck out Rougned Odor, and manager Joe Maddon quickly trotted to the mound to pull the right-hander after 19 pitches. "I expected to finish the inning," Davis said. "I didn't realize I had a pitch count. It's the first time out -- it's all good." Maddon, who managed Davis with Tampa Bay from 2009-12, liked what he saw. "I'm not used to seeing him throwing that hard that soon, if that makes sense, so that was good," Maddon said. "I'm used to seeing him throw 86, 87, 88 [mph] the first time he pitches. He's at 92, 94, and I think he hit 95." Even though Davis expected to finish the inning, Maddon said the pitcher was smiling when he went to take him out. "That's what I'm looking for," Maddon said. Davis may not care about the numbers, but he does like Spring Training. "You need to be in games because eventually you have to turn that light switch on at some point in Spring Training to make sure you're not just doing it Opening Day," Davis said. "You also have to make sure you're not overdoing it." -- Cubs.com Sore left calf causes Almora to exit early By Carrie Muskat TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Cubs' Albert Almora Jr., who hit a grand slam Sunday, had to leave Monday's 13-10 victory over the Angels after playing one inning in center field because of left calf soreness. Almora fouled a ball off his left leg Feb. 28, and it's been tender since then.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon likes the potential of his center-field combination of Almora and Jon Jay. "It's a pretty nice center field, those two guys," Maddon said Monday. "Jon Jay is outstanding -- I've been a latent Jon Jay fan over the last couple years. Combined, they're going to be an outstanding center field." Almora has shined on defense this spring, and Maddon has seen improvements in his work with the hitting coaches. "More than anything, what makes [Almora] play right now is the adjustments he made in his swing, where it's a much more functional big league swing and there's more power in it," Maddon said. • Speaking of outfielders, it's a big spring for Matt Szczur, who is vying for a spot on the Cubs' bench. "It's not an easy fit but he understands the competition for that role," Maddon said. "We talked about it straight up. He's a man's man, Matty is. It's all straight up, he knows what's going on, and he's done really well." Does Szczur's football background help at all? "I think he's the best wide receiver among the group," Maddon said. "If we want to work him with the Bears in some way, he'd have the best opportunity to succeed." • The Cubs will play a "B" game Thursday at 10 a.m. MT at Sloan Park against the Angels. Chicago plays host to Seattle in Mesa that day in a Cactus League game. -- ESPNChicago.com New MLB hazing policy has Cubs searching for alternatives By Jesse Rogers MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Rob Zastryzny looked forward to the first time he put on a cheerleader’s outfit. His moment came in Pittsburgh, late last season, not long after he was called up from the minors. During a walk on the bridge over the Allegheny River that featured its share of stares from passersby, there was one thought running through the pitcher’s mind as he approached PNC Park: He was part of the team now. “It was before my first start,” Zastryzny recalled recently at spring training. “I had to walk to the field in a cheerleader outfit. John Lackey and Travis Wood walked with me over the bridge in Pittsburgh. It really did make us feel like it was our entrance to the team. The Cubs guys did a really good job of it. I was a fan of it. It made me feel really close to the older guys.” Zastryzny and other rookies around the league who donned similar outfits the past season will be the last MLB players to dress in women’s clothes, due to a rule in the sport’s new collective bargaining agreement: No more forcing rookies to wear cheerleader outfits, princess gowns or anything else that might resemble clothing of another gender. Cubs players aren’t exactly on board with the policy, though they will follow it. “I think it’s B.S.,” catcher Miguel Montero said. “It’s about making guys uncomfortable. I always say: Get uncomfortable to get comfortable. That’s what we try to do.” Montero and his teammates plan to adjust by coming up with new ways to get players out of their comfort zones. Off the top of his head, he suggested making them wear wrestling tights as they walk through the airport on a road trip. Meanwhile, pitchers Jake Arrieta and Justin Grimm pointed to Speedos as an alternative the team could turn to this season.

The word "uncomfortable" is particularly relevant in Cubs camp, as it is central to Joe Maddon’s method to help his players succeed in a game that constantly makes them feel that way. “The moment you get comfortable with your plight, then the threat is you’re not going to push yourself to the point where you need to again,” Maddon said. He applies that theory to the dress-up issue. Whether it comes from wearing women’s clothes, funny suits or dressing up as a comic book hero, he feels forcing players into an uncomfortable situation off the field can only benefit them on it. “I think hazing is different than what we do,” Maddon said. “It’s a team bonding experience. … It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone. Any costume can do that. There’s growth involved. If they can get past that thought, then what happens on the field can become less stressful in a sense.” While some players understand the concern of those outside the locker room, they firmly believe intent should matter. “No one is trying to offend any person or people that identify themselves as something else,” Arrieta said. “It’s about making the younger teammates uncomfortable and seeing how they deal with the situation. It’s a team-building thing. “Maybe it needs to remain out of the public eye, but we aren’t trying to offend anyone. I know how serious it can be with people dealing with an uncomfortable time with the way they identify themselves individually. It’s a serious situation. Kids hide who they are because they feel like they will be ridiculed, and that’s wrong.” Although Arrieta suggested keeping the practice out of the public eye, that might be impossible, with current technology combined with social media. “The whole world has gotten too soft,” Lackey said with a half-smirk. “It can bring a team together. “It’s not about making a kid feel bad or making fun of anyone. … I had a veteran tell me a long time ago that if they stop messing with you, they’ve stopped caring about you.” That message resonates in the Cubs' clubhouse, where young players find dressing up as a cheerleader or princess a badge of honor more than an act of hazing. “College hazing is immature, but this is different,” Zastryzny said. “We have a good laugh, but at the end of the day, the goal is to go win a ballgame.” “To be honest, that was one of the things I was most looking forward to. It means you are part of the fraternity,” Albert Almora Jr. said. “It’s part of the baseball family. We got closer as a team because of that, but we’ll respect the league’s decision.” Maddon has been consistent regarding his theories on bringing his team together and makes no excuses for his players’ actions in the past. In his mind, this was always a positive experience. “Our intent has never been to denigrate any particular group,” Maddon said. The game will move on, and new ways of welcoming the rookies will emerge, but Cubs players will remember their cheerleader dress-up days fondly. “It’s a silly rule,” Montero said with a half-smile. “I dressed as a cheerleader and enjoyed it. And women saw me and enjoyed it because I have such a sexy body.” --

ESPNChicago.com Cubs' Jason Heyward breaks out of slump after starting 0-for-15 By Jesse Rogers TEMPE -- It's not exactly a hot streak in mid-July, but Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward will undoubtedly take whatever he can get as he continues a swing makeover which began in the offseason. Heyward homered and doubled on Monday against the Angels for his first two hits of the Cactus League after starting 0-for-15. Afterward, he was asked if his slow start was getting to him even though it's spring training. "0-for-15 will get [to] you whenever," Heyward said with a smile. "It was really good to react and not miss a pitch in the zone." Heyward took almost no time off after last season's Cubs World Series victory, choosing to rework a swing that saw his batting average drop to .230 last season, the second lowest of his career. He hit just seven home runs before being benched in the playoffs. On Monday, he followed up his home run with a fourth-inning double to left field off Angels lefty Greg Mahle. "I'm in love with that one," Heyward said. "Those are much tougher to come by, especially with two outs. It's good to get back-to-back tough lefties." Heyward is trying to recapture a stance and swing he used in 2012 when he hit 27 home runs for the Atlanta Braves. He has lowered his hands and tried to shorten his swing. Monday was a step in the right direction. "Every day in BP I feel amazing," Heyward said. "It's just putting it together in game speed." Heyward signed with the Cubs before last season for eight years and $184 million and won a Gold Glove despite his offensive struggles. -- ESPNChicago.com Go inside the moment when the Cubs looked like the Cubs again By Jesse Rogers MESA, Ariz. -- You might have missed it. After all, it was a Saturday spring game in early March -- not exactly Game 7 of the World Series. But this past weekend’s 9-3 win by the Chicago Cubs over the Los Angeles Dodgers had a distinct 2016 feel to it -- and it wasn’t just because the Cubs beat the team they defeated months earlier to advance to the World Series. This game was a reminder of the massive amount of talent the Cubs possess. The following is a mini oral history of a spring victory, perhaps the first of its kind for a Cactus League game. The pitcher A year ago at this time, righty Kyle Hendricks admittedly was flying under the radar while he fought off competition for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation. He went on to lead the majors with a 2.13 ERA and picked up where he left off on Saturday. Addison Russell: “Hendricks did his thing. What can I say? Lot of movement in the zone. That’s just Hendricks right there.” Hendricks pitched two innings in the amount of time it takes to get a hot dog at the concession stand. He threw 16 pitches, one of which resulted in a double play after he gave up his lone hit. It was vintage Hendricks, even if he wasn’t completely perfect in his first outing since Game 7.

Catcher Miguel Montero: “First couple batters, maybe [his] adrenaline was pumping. It looked like he was a little out of sync. His arm slot was off, but he got it back right away. It was Kyle being Kyle.” Hendricks was so efficient that he threw about 40 more pitches in the bullpen after his outing was over. In all, he induced three lazy ground balls and a popup and struck out a batter. He would be the Opening Day starter on many teams in baseball, but on the Cubs, he’s behind Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta. Joe Maddon: “He looked great. Command was so good, 86-87 mph with awkward swings. That’s just who he is.” Matt Szczur: “It’s always fun playing behind him because it’s quick. Either a strikeout or he gives them something to hit. No walks. It’s fast pace.” Russell: “It’s not so much his work pace -- it’s just his knack of throwing in the zone and getting people to chase. You’re out in front of the changeup, and then you’re out in front of the fastball, then next thing you know, you’re behind the fastball. He was great.” Hendricks: “I’m always trying to raise the bar and get better. ... This time last year, not as much hype for me. Things have changed a little, but all for the good.” The hitter Kris Bryant was more concerned about getting his new wife a gift for her birthday on Saturday than coming up with a big hit in a spring game, but he managed to do both, starting with a grand slam in the fourth inning. Russell: “That’s his bread and butter right there. Power arm vs. power bat. KB doesn’t back down from that.” Bryant hit a fastball just over the fence in left field after Jason Heyward walked to keep the line moving. It was Bryant's first home run this spring. Maddon: “We thought from the sidelines a fan may have reached over.” Montero: “C’mon, man. That’s common. That’s KB. He’s swung the bat like that since I’ve known him.” Bryant is 2-for-12 with a walk so far after leading all spring hitters in home runs back in 2015, when he burst onto the scene to win Rookie of the Year. Russell: “KB coming alive in a huge spot. It felt great [Saturday]. Everything came together.” Szczur: “Now that’s the kind of stuff you expect from him. Everyone comes around, and we all know KB would.” The catch Some Cubs didn’t think about it when the ball went up in the air, but Maddon did. And so did Russell. And Kyle Schwarber realized, after the fact, that the route he took to a ball hit to left center in the fourth inning was very similar to the one that led to his collision with former Cub Dexter Fowler. That led to knee surgery and his missing nearly an entire season. This time, there was no collision, and Schwarber made a fine running catch. Russell: “We talked about it last [Saturday] night. He got a good read on the ball, and he made sure he called it. I could hear him. It was loud. I’m pretty sure [center fielder] Jon Jay could hear him. It’s good to see that. He’s comfortable enough to get that and let Jay know to back off.” Maddon: “It was reminiscent [of the collision route]. ... He’s running well. He seems to be growing accustomed to that. From the side, he looks like an average runner, but he’s a solid baseball player runner.” Schwarber has shown no issues with his knee injury or of wearing a brace.

Szczur: “When I saw it go up, I expected him to make the play. Just a routine one for him. We expect him to make it. I think he’s running great.” Montero: “I thought he had it. I would have been surprised if the ball dropped there. He seems normal.” Calling for the ball drills from early spring training paid off, as Russell reiterated hearing Schwarber make it clear that he would track it down. The play did give those watching a moment of pause. Russell: “I was talking to him later, and it was like a mirror play of his injury. It worked out pretty good.” -- CSNChicago.com Jake Arrieta Tuning Out All The Contract Noise — And Butterflies — In Cubs Camp By Tony Andracki TEMPE, Ariz. — Jake Arrieta may be a Cy Young winner, he may have the best career ERA in a Cubs uniform since World War I and he may have given us the best second half performance the game of baseball has ever seen, but the dude still gets nervous just like everybody else. The Cubs pitcher oozes confidence and welcomes the most high-pressure of situations on the baseball field, but that doesn't make him immune to a flurry of butterflies in the pit of his stomach. For his first start in more than four months, Arrieta admitted as much in his spring debut on his 31st birthday Monday as he enters the final year of his contract with the Cubs. "When you have a break like that, the first one's always a little jittery," Arrieta said. "It's good to get back out there in that environment with umpires, the opposition, fans. "Butterflies, for me, is just an indicator that you care. It's something you're invested in. It's a first time being out there in a while. There's a little unknown, but you prepare for that and move forward. But I think it's a good thing to kinda have those nervous butterflies before a game like that." It took Arrieta only a couple pitches before the butterflies fluttered away. "It was like, 'OK, I've done this before. It's nothing new,' he said. "But the time off is something that plays a part in that. I like it. It's something you get before every game, regardless of the circumstances." Arrieta said he felt just fine physically, but had a couple things mechanically he will work to address in between Cactucs League appearances. The toughest pitcher to hit in the league last year, Arrieta allowed five hits to the Los Angeles Angels across two innings, including a long homer to Jefry Marte. He was more concerned with not overthrowing or acting like it was the middle of the season. He also insists he doesn't feel any differently in spring training at age 31 as he did in his early 20s. "You hear age is just a number, and I believe it is," Arrieta said. "I take care of myself pretty well. Thirty-one doesn't sound great, but I still feel great and that's all I'm worried about." Even though he's nearing the end of his standard prime years, Arrieta doesn't have much mileage on his arm as pitchers go, with less than 1,000 career big-league innings due to bouncing between the majors and minors earlier in his career.

He also is a supreme physical specimen and in such control over his diet/nutrition that eating pizza Sunday night as part of a birthday celebration made him feel "terrible." As for his contract status, Arrieta is still determined not to let his impending free agency become an issue in the Cubs clubhouse. "I think it has to [be ignored]," he said. "Not only because it's my mindset, but the 24-30 other guys in the clubhouse don't need to hear about my contract. It's just a distraction. "You're aware of it. I don't really harp on it. It's not something I sit down and think about at length. I just take it for what it is. It's a situation that many players have been in in the past and they've dealt with it just the same way that I will. "It might not always be something fun to talk about, but I understand it's just a circumstance of where I'm at in my career and the time's coming to a point where it's either a deal gets done or I go to free agency and that's OK. "It's kind of the business of the game, but really, I think the focus needs to be — for the next 8 months — being a Chicago Cub and trying to do the best job I can individually and help my guys be the best I can be." -- CSNChicago.com With Weight Off His Shoulders, Jason Heyward Convinced He's Moving In The Right Direction With Offensive Struggles By Tony Andracki TEMPE, Ariz. - Jason Heyward can breathe easy. After an 0-for-15 start to the spring, the guy that some Cubs fans have unfairly called the league's most expensive fourth outfielder has officially gotten started silencing the haters. Heyward smiled easily as he met with the media Monday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium after hitting a long homer and collecting a two-run double in the Cubs' 13-10 win over the Los Angeles Angels. After a nice day at the plate, it's easy to admit the hitless start to Cactus League play was weighing on him. "0-for-15 is gonna get to you whenever," he said. "But as far as knowing that you're working on something and trying to feel something is good. Having a clear mind, because every day in BP, I feel amazing. "So just putting it together at game speed and working to do that, working hard and working smart just gives you that vote of confidence that you know you're gonna get it done. You just gotta keep going and find the right timing." Timing is the final step, Heyward said, as he broke down and rebuilt his swing this winter following by far the worst offensive season of his career (.230/.306/.325 slash line, .631 OPS). On his first trip to the plate, Heyward crushed a Jesse Chavez offering into the parking lot beyond right field and on his third time up, he sliced a liner to the opposite field off a left-handed pitcher for a two-out, two-run double. "I'm in love with that one," he said, smiling. Heyward is trying to keep it simple and he's certain he and the Cubs coaching staff are moving in the right direction with his swing. Monday was just validation, and not just during batting practice.

"Today, I got to see myself and feel myself in game action and do it the right way and give myself enough time to take good swings and fight off a tough pitch and get to the next pitch," he said. Heyward is only two years removed from a season in which he hit .293 with a .359 on-base percentage and .797 OPS. He also has a 27-homer season under his belt as a 22-year-old in 2012. So where does he go from here? "Just stay positive," Heyward said. "It's a team game. Us, as a team, getting the ultimate goal to win the World Series last year gives you a lot of confidence and a good mindset coming in. "Again, just knowing and seeing that you've done it before. Seeing video, seeing games, being able to go right to that game and that swing and feel yourself in the moment. "You know you've done it before. So just work to get back to that. It'd be weird if I was tryin gto do something I've never done. So I would say that's how you [move on.]" -- Chicago Tribune So far, so good for Cubs’ Jeimer Candelario By Paul Skrbina Jeimer Candelario’s job is to make his boss’ job more difficult. So far, so good. The 25-year-old switch-hitting third baseman is trying to land a summer gig with Joe Maddon’s Cubs, and so far has fulfilled his responsibilities, especially of late. While his five hits in three games on Saturday and Sunday does not a spring make, his prowess in the batter’s box surely won’t be forgotten when Maddon tackles the task of whittling down his roster before opening day. “Whatever decision they make, they will tell me what I have to do,” Candelario said. “I just have to be able to control myself and do good.” He’s been doing that lately. Candelario was 3-for-3 with a double, triple and three runs scored Saturday against the Dodgers. He had two more hits and scored once more Sunday against the Rangers. His average is up to .320 in 25 at-bats. Candelario left Sunday’s game after a pitch sent him to his hands and knees after nailing his left ankle. He was 0-for-1 Monday but said he was feeling better after the scare. “It hit me hard … in the right spot,” he said. “It hurt, but it happens. You have to be able to deal with it.” Signed by the Cubs as a nondrafted free agent in 2010, Candelario has one hit in 11 big-league at-bats spanning six games. The taste in 2016 whetted his appetite for 2017. “I don’t worry about what’s going on,” he said. “I just try to do my job. … When you do a lot of good things, good things happen. I just have to slow down and control myself and be positive.” --

Chicago Tribune Cubs' Jason Heyward hopes two hits can help him break out of slump By Paul Skrbina Jason Heyward went from .000 to .105 in two swings Monday. Still, the Cubs right fielder's bat is not a magic wand, capable of making thoughts of his 0-for-15 start to spring training vanish. That's going to take more time and timing. But making a ball disappear and his batting average appear — as Heyward did with a second-inning solo home run during a 13-10 victory against the Rangers at Tempe Diablo Stadium — is a start. Heyward hopes the ball that traveled 370-plus feet for his first Cactus League hit can carry his confidence a lot further. "(Going) 0-for-15 is going to get (to) you whenever," Heyward said when asked whether his slow start troubled him, despite it counting for nothing but a warm-up. Heyward followed his first hit with a two-run, opposite-field double during a seven-run fourth — two welcomed swings, especially after a forgettable 2016 at the plate. "I'm in love with that one," Heyward said. "Those are much tougher to come by, especially with two outs. "It's good to get tough back-to-back lefties. A lot of times they get you out." That was especially true for Heyward last season, when he batted .230 with just seven home runs, 49 RBIs and a .631 OPS. Despite his Gold Glove defense and manager Joe Maddon's constant defense of him, the Cubs' $184 million man found himself on the bench sometimes when games mattered most — the postseason. Heyward hit .104 with 13 strikeouts and a .307 OPS in 48 postseason at-bats before delivering a now-famous speech during the rain delay in Game 7 of the World Series. So naturally his struggles to start spring training looked to be contagious. "I feel like the last couple days we've gone in the right direction," Heyward said of his hitting work. "We've been going at it the right direction all along. The last piece was timing and just feeling that out; me being able to tell myself when to go. "Today I got to see myself and feel myself in game action do it the right way and give myself enough time to take good swings and foul off a tough pitch and get to the next pitch." This won't be the first time Heyward tries to bounce back from a subpar offensive season, though this time carries with it the weight of his contract. After earning an All-Star nod and finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2010 with the Braves, Heyward saw his batting average dropped 50 points to .227 the following season. His OPS went from .849 to .708. But in his third year with the Braves, Heyward rebounded to bat .269 with an .814 OPS, a career-best 27 home runs and 82 RBIs.

He said he didn't spend that 2011-12 offseason dwelling on the negative. He didn't do that this offseason either. "Did my homework," Heyward said. "I think about it as much as the next hitter. Everybody wants to improve on everything." In an attempt to get him more at-bats, Maddon had been penciling Heyward into the leadoff spot. That changed Monday, when Heyward dropped to fifth in the lineup, a move Heyward said might have helped. It allowed him to ease into the game, watch a few pitches and catch up on his timing before stepping into the box right off the bat, he said. "Every day in batting practice, I feel amazing," Heyward said. "It's just putting it together at game speed. Working hard and working smart gives you that vote of confidence." Something Heyward is working slowly to regain. -- Chicago Tribune Monday's recap: Cubs 13, Angels 10 By Paul Skrbina Jason Heyward hit a solo home run in the second inning and a two-run double during the Cubs' seven-run fourth Monday to help them defeat the Angels 13-10 at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Heyward had been 0-for-15 entering the game. He was moved from first to fifth in the order. At the plate: Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist (3 RBIs), Heyward, Munenori Kawasaki and Carlos Corporan each had at least two hits as the Cubs finished with 14. On the mound: In his first start this spring, Jake Arrieta allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, including a home run, struck out one and hit one batter. In the field: Kyle Schwarber's error in the second led to two unearned runs. Ben Zobrist made a diving play for an out during the same inning. Key number: 11 — Cubs batters in the fourth, when they scored all seven runs with two out. Up next: vs. Team Italy, 2:05 p.m. Tuesday at Sloan Park. RH John Lackey vs. TBD. -- Chicago Tribune Jake Arrieta isn't worried about a new contract. Should Cubs fans be? By Paul Sullivan There's little doubt the Cubs can afford to give Jake Arrieta $200 million or so to remain with the franchise for the rest of his career. According to a report by FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman, that's the kind of contract Arrieta is seeking, in line with the $210 million deal the Nationals' Max Scherzer received two years ago. The real question is whether they could afford to give Arrieta that kind of money and still pay Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber down the road, not to mention renegotiate Anthony Rizzo's team-friendly contract. No matter the answer, this is sure to be a recurring story of the Cubs' 2017 season, whether to pay Arrieta or let him go via free agency. Most fans seem to believe he's as good as gone, but who knows?

Arrieta said after a shaky spring debut Monday that he didn't know about the report of early talks between the Cubs and agent Scott Boras, saying he doesn't pay attention. "You guys know just as much as I do," he said. "That's all I've got." OK. So how can Arrieta ignore these rumors all year? "It doesn't help me one way or the other," he said. "If I do think about it, what good would that do me? It's just the reality of the situation. I don't know what else to say about it." Arrieta said some more about it before a Boras-friendly reporter told him he had "the right guy" to negotiate. "We'll see," he replied. "Until then..." With apologies to Dexter Fowler, Arrieta is the Cubs' most prominent free agent since Theo Epstein began the rebuild in 2012 — and perhaps their most important since Greg Maddux left after the 1992 season. Boras, of course, was also Maddux's agent. Maddux was 26 when he left for the Braves, while Arrieta celebrated his 31st birthday Monday. Because elite starters now command six- or seven-year deals, whoever signs him will be counting on him to still be worth the money when he's 37 or 38. "You hear age is just a number," Arrieta said. "I believe it is, and I take care of myself pretty well. Thirty-one doesn't sound great, but I still feel great. So that's all I'm worried about." Actually, being 31 sounds great to some of us. Anyway, Epstein's decision would be much easier if Arrieta were 28. Epstein spent big to bring in Jon Lester and Jason Heyward but hasn't had to give out a nine-figure deal to one of his own guys. After the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, the Mets outbid him for Pedro Martinez as Epstein refused to guarantee a four-year deal for a 32-year-old pitcher who had suffered a small labrum tear three years earlier. "We put our absolute best foot forward," Epstein said then. "We've tried to keep Pedro Martinez in a way that makes sense for the ballclub. The team comes first, always. That said, he's been a great contributor. If the (final offer) was not enough, we wish him the absolute best." Substitute the name Jake Arrieta for Pedro Martinez, and Epstein might be saying the same thing next offseason. Like his Red Sox team, the Cubs are virtually assured of daily sellouts for the next several years whether Arrieta is here or not. And like those Red Sox, the Cubs are so loaded with talent, they figure to contend for championships for the next several years whether Arrieta is here or not. So what makes the most sense for the Cubs? Arrieta couldn't replicate his Bob Gibson-esque 2015 numbers last year, but he went 18-8, threw his second no-hitter and won two World Series games. Not too shabby. He also averaged 3.47 walks per nine innings, ninth-worst among qualifying starters, while yielding a .194 batting average, best in the majors. In a nutshell, he was his own worst enemy on occasion but was dominant when he threw strikes. "Nobody beats him up," Maddon said. "He always pitches well. He might have to throw more pitches. We were used to seeing him get deep into games with a very low pitch count the year before.

"Last year it was more like the sixth, maybe the seventh inning with a higher pitch number purely because of his fastball command. Otherwise, his stuff was equally as good." Arrieta conceded "the walks last year are something I'd like to decrease," but he pointed to the .194 average against. "So I think I'll take that," he said. Arrieta knows his contract talks will be discussed, and he doesn't shy away from answering questions about it. "The 24 to 30 other guys in the clubhouse don't need to hear about my contract," he said. "It's just a distraction. We've talked about it at length. If we have a conversation about it, then great. If not, that's fine too. I just try to keep the focus on the team." It shouldn't be a distraction for anyone but Arrieta. And because he's one of the more media-friendly players in the clubhouse, it's unlikely to affect him. We'll see. Until then ... -- Chicago Tribune Cubs closer Wade Davis not concerned after rocky spring debut By Paul Skrbina Wade Davis wasn't down about Cubs manager Joe Maddon taking him out of his Cactus League debut Sunday. "When I went to take him out, he was smiling," Maddon said. "That tells me he felt really good." Even if he didn't look it. Davis allowed a walk, three singles and three runs in one-third of an inning against the Rangers before Maddon removed him — to Davis' surprise "I expected to finish the inning," Davis said Monday. "I didn't realize I had a pitch count. First time out, it's all good." Davis, acquired from the Royals for Jorge Soler, spent significant time on the disabled list last season with forearm issues. He said he feels fine healthwise, which is good news for the Cubs, who are counting on him to be their closer. "I don't know what my spring training has ever been like, as far as numbers," Davis said. "Whatever happens here doesn't really matter." Davis is 19-4 with a 1.18 ERA and 234 strikeouts in 182 innings and 185 games over the last three seasons. But last year he appeared in just 45 games and pitched 43 1/3 innings. Maddon, who managed Davis with the Rays during his first four seasons, noticed an uptick in the right-hander's velocity he had never seen this early, another indication Davis feels healthy. Even if the numbers weren't. "I had no intention of throwing anything but fastballs (Sunday), but it kind of got out of control," Davis said. "We've got a full month of games still. I'm cool where it is."

Keeping to himself: A John Lackey farewell tour is unlikely whenever the 38-year-old right-hander decides to call it quits. Lackey, in the final year of a two-year, $32 million deal, is scheduled to make his first start of the spring Tuesday against Team Italy. "He hasn't said anything to us," Jon Lester said Sunday after making his first start in a 9-9 tie against the Rangers. "He probably just won't show up next year if he does retire." Lackey was 11-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 188 1/3 innings over 29 regular-season starts last year. He struggled at times during the postseason run to the World Series title, his third to go with one with the Red Sox in 2013 and one with the Angels as a rookie in 2002. Health report: Center fielder Albert Almora Jr. left Monday's game in the second inning with a sore left calf. He fouled a ball off the calf last week. The team said he is day to day. Shortstop Addison Russell missed his second straight game after he was hit in the left arm with a pitch Saturday. Maddon said Russell is "doing well." -- Chicago Sun-Times Hitless no more: Heyward homers, doubles to snap spring skid By Gordon Wittenmyer TEMPE, Ariz. — It’s only spring training, but don’t tell that to Jason Heyward. “An 0-for-15 is going to get to you whenever [it happens],” he said. Heyward, the megabucks right fielder working on fixing what ailed him offensively last year, unloaded five games’ worth of frustration with a no-doubt-about-it home run to right in his first at-bat Monday against Angels right-hander Jesse Chavez. In his second at-bat, Heyward doubled the opposite way with the bases loaded and two outs against lefty Greg Mahle. “I’m in love with that [two-run double],” Heyward said. “Those are much tougher to come by, especially with two outs, those situations.” Heyward, who reworked his swing during the winter, seemed to get a sense of validation for the changes that he said felt right even when the hits weren’t coming. “As far as knowing you’re working on something and trying to feel something is good and having a clear mind,” Heyward said. “Because every day in [batting practice] I feel amazing. So it’s just putting it together in game speed and working to do that, working hard and working smart. It just gives you that confidence that you’re going to get it done. You’ve just got to keep going and try to find that right timing for the game off the pitchers.” In his first year of an eight-year, $184 million deal, Heyward hit .230 with seven homers and a .631 OPS. He seems much more at ease this spring, and manager Joe Maddon has said he likes what he sees in Heyward’s new swing, which features his hands starting lower and quicker. Hitting coaches John Mallee and Eric Hinske worked with Heyward on reverting to the swing he used to hit a career-high 27 homers in 2012. “I feel like the last couple days we’ve been going in the right direction,” Heyward said. “Actually, we’ve been going in the right direction all along. But the last piece was timing and just feeling that out and being able to tell myself

when to go and when to get ready. Today, I got to see myself and feel myself in game action do it the right way and get myself enough time to take good swings and fight off a tough pitch and get to the next pitch.” NOTE: Center fielder Albert Almora Jr. was pulled for a pinch hitter in the second inning because of soreness in his left calf, off which he fouled a pitch last week. The bruised area was well enough for Almora to play until flaring up. -- Chicago Sun-Times Sinking-in feeling: Could this be Arrieta’s last year with Cubs? By Gordon Wittenmyer TEMPE, Ariz. — The first words out of right-hander Jake Arrieta’s mouth when talking with the media after giving up a few hits and hitting a batter in the first start of what might be his last spring with the Cubs were: ‘‘I had nerves going into this one.’’ Arrieta said it’s normal for him each spring after a long layoff. He also said it’s a good thing, ‘‘an indicator that you care.’’ But it’s not a stretch to think that the butterflies might have fluttered a little faster in this one, that the likelihood he’s beginning his final season with the Cubs is starting to sink in. ‘‘You’re aware of it,’’ said Arrieta, whose career took off after the Cubs acquired him in a trade with the Orioles in 2013. ‘‘I don’t really harp on it. ‘‘It’s a situation many players have been in in the past. They’ve dealt with it, just the same way I will. And it might not always be something fun to talk about, but I understand that it’s just the circumstance of where I’m at in my career. And the time’s coming to a point where it’s either a deal gets done or I go to free agency. And that’s OK.’’ Arrieta’s agent, Scott Boras, and the Cubs have talked multiple times in the last two years about a general framework for a possible multiyear extension, but those discussions haven’t gained any traction. A strong personal relationship remains, but it’s hard to imagine the sides bridging the years/money gap. Boras continues to draw parallels between Arrieta and another of his clients. Right-hander Max Scherzer got a seven-year, $210 million free-agent deal from the Nationals at age 30 after the 2014 season. Arrieta has said he doesn’t plan to give the Cubs a market discount to re-sign. And despite his affection for and loyalty to his teammates and the Cubs, he already has achieved all there was to achieve in his three-plus seasons in Chicago. Arrieta won a Cy Young Award in 2015, made an Opening Day start in 2016, threw two no-hitters, made an All-Star team and played a huge role in helping the Cubs win a World Series that ended the most storied championship drought in U.S. sports history. He even won a Silver Slugger award as the top-hitting pitcher in baseball last season and was a Gold Glove finalist. ‘‘It’s kind of the business of this game,’’ Arrieta said of his status heading into the season. ‘‘But I think the focus needs to be for the next eight months on being a Chicago Cub and trying to do the best job I can individually and help my guys be the best they can be.’’ Arrieta might be the player in the Cubs’ clubhouse best equipped to handle the weight of the uncertainty while keeping that focus, given his mindset about his status, his healthy level of confidence, his willingness to embrace persistent media attention and his ability to leave it in the hands of his agent. ‘‘If the team wants to make an offer, they’ll come and make an offer,’’ said Arrieta, who received a record arbitration settlement of $15.64 million this year.

Arrieta clearly isn’t afraid of free agency. In fact, it might provide him with the next great opportunity in his career if he’s able to join the market-setters before him, such as Scherzer, David Price and Zack Greinke. With another big season, Arrieta might be the top pitcher on a free-agent market that also might feature right-hander Yu Darvish and his surgically repaired arm and, if they exercise opt-out clauses, right-handers Johnny Cueto and Masahiro Tanaka. He won’t be as young as Scherzer was in 2014; Arrieta turned 31 on Monday. But the man who took up Pilates three years ago said he’s a young 31. ‘‘I feel great,’’ he said. ‘‘I feel the same way I felt when I was in my early 20s. You hear age is just a number; I believe it is. I take care of myself pretty well. Thirty-one doesn’t sound great, but I still feel great. That’s all I’m worried about.’’ -- Chicago Sun-Times Arrieta debuts, Heyward homers as Cubs top Angels 13-10 By Gordon Wittenmyer TEMPE, Ariz. — The Cubs knocked Angels pitching around for 14 hits, including six for extra bases, and eight walks in a 13-10 Cactus League victory that included a seven-run inning for the Cubs. Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, Munenori Kawasaki and Carlos Corporan all had multi-hit performances in the game that took 3 hours and 41 minutes to play. The Cubs have scored 31 runs in their last three games. Former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta made his first start of the spring, albeit settling for a got-his-work-in result, hitting a batter, and allowing five hits, including a home on an 0-2 pitch, and two earned runs. He threw 37 pitches in his two innings. “Physically I feel really good,” he said. “I was a little off with a couple little things mechanically. I was throwing a lot of strikes but there were a couple deep counts I didn’t like. No walks was good. The cutter and sinker were really good. “I’ve got some things I need to work on the next couple bullpens moving on into the next few starts here and just continue to clean it up until the season starts.” Heyward hits Heyward, who’s working to bounce back from a career-worst season in 2016, snapped an 0-for-15 start to his spring with a second-inning no-doubt homer to right and an opposite-field, two-out, bases-loaded double in the Cubs’ seven-run fourth. E-Schwarbs Leadoff man Kyle Schwarber tripled and walked, but he also let a single skip past him in left field for a two-base error during the Angels’ three-run second. Schwarber’s fielding in left is a focus of the spring for the D-challenged outfielder/catcher. Rizzo returns

All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo returned to the lineup Monday after missing the previous four games because of stiffness in his lower back. In four trips to the plate, he singled to left-center during the Cubs’ two-run third and walked in the fifth. Russell sidelined again Addison Russell sat out his second consecutive game since suffering a bruise near his left elbow when hit by a pitch Saturday. Manager Joe Maddon said the All-Star shortstop is fine. On deck Team Italy (WBC) at Cubs, Mesa, Ariz., 2:05 p.m. (CT), cubs.com audio, John Lackey vs. TBD. --