Spring Training Game Thread #10: Milwaukee Brewers (4-5) @ Cleveland Guardians (2-6)

Milwaukee looks for their second win over Cleveland in less than a week

The Brewers are set to take on the Cleveland Guardians today for the second time in less than a week. Milwaukee won the last matchup 9-6 behind a three-hit, three-RBI game from Cooper Pratt and strong showings from Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers. With a win today, Milwaukee would move to .500 this spring.

Thomas Pannone, who threw two hitless innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday, will start today for the Crew. Slade Cecconi (6.66 ERA last season) gets the nod for Cleveland.

Pannone has pitched well since revamping his delivery over the course of last season. He looks to keep it going today against the Guardians, last year’s AL Central champions. Other pitchers slated to throw today include Grant Anderson, Grant Wolfram, Jared Koenig, Easton McGee, and Craig Yoho.

As for the position players, it looks to be (mostly) business as usual. Chourio slides down to second in the order after hitting leadoff in his last couple appearances. In his place is Brice Turang, who homered yesterday.

Tyler Black is hitting third and DH’ing in his first appearance this spring. The Brewers undoubtedly want to see what they have in Black, who could wind up playing himself into an increased role this season (maybe even at third base).

Christian Yelich, who likely won’t play consecutive games for much of the spring, gets the day off. Star catcher William Contreras also won’t start today.

Joey Ortiz is playing shortstop today, with Turang at second. Turang did get a start at shortstop against the Royals on Thursday – the only game where Turang has played short with Ortiz in the lineup. However, this is the second game in a row with Ortiz at shortstop and Turang at second. While there’s a long way to go until Opening Day, Ortiz appears to be cementing himself as the front-runner at shortstop.

Caleb Durbin, who only has two hits this spring, gets the start today at third. He did hit a home run in his last appearance (Friday at SF), so hopefully, he’s starting to heat up a bit. Milwaukee will need to depend on at least one of him and Oliver Dunn this season, whether at third base or as a utility infielder.

First pitch today will be at 2:05 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on WTMJ.

Today’s lineup: