Spring Training Game Thread #1: Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) vs. Cincinnati Reds (0-0)

Spring training kicks off against NL Central rival

The Milwaukee Brewers will take the field for their first game of spring training today, a division matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Brewers will have Carlos Rodriguez start as the club gets back into action. He appeared in three games at the major league level for Milwaukee last year, allowing a 7.30 ERA over 12 ¹⁄₃ innings. Most of the right-hander’s work came at the Triple-A level where he posted a 4.51 ERA in 129 ²⁄₃ innings.

There’s a mix of big league regulars in the starting lineup with some new names in the fold. Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio will start at the top of the order, one option that the Brewers could use once the regular season comes around.

Joey Ortiz will take shortstop as he is expected to take on that role more fully this season. He played the position in 10 games last year, but he will likely be the mainstay up the middle this year. If he takes to the position well, that will be an exciting double-play pairing with Turang.

It’s a split squad for the Reds while they also have a game against the Cleveland Guardians today. Graham Ashcraft will be Cincinnati’s starter in this matchup. It will be second baseman Gavin Lux’s first game as a Red since his move from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Here are the full lineups for today’s game. First pitch is at 2:10 p.m. and will be available on radio via WTMJ.