Arrieta set for spring debut on MLB.TV

Kluber, Sale also ready for first Spring Training starts

March 6th, 2017

While the 2017 World Baseball Classic gets underway today in Seoul, South Korea, there's still plenty to keep an eye on in Spring Training, with a number of big-name players set to make their season debuts in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.
Former Cy Young Award winners and will make their first starts of the year in Arizona. In Florida, ace Chris Sale will make his long-awaited debut with the Red Sox and fellow left-hander will get his first action of the year with the Mets. In addition, Dodgers first baseman is expected to make his Cactus League debut after missing time with elbow tendinitis.
Fans can watch Arrieta's debut and three other Spring Training contests today, as well as much of this spring's exhibition action, streaming live on MLB.TV Premium.
MLB.TV Premium is only $112.99 for the entire season. In addition to getting every out-of-market game live or on demand during the regular season, you can watch nearly 300 Spring Training games live and blackout free, plus the World Baseball Classic live (U.S. only). This package has the best value and provides access to more than 400 devices and a free subscription to the MLB.com At Bat Premium app (a $19.99 value). It offers the best picture quality ever -- at 60 frames per second -- for supported devices, while other great features include choice of home or away broadcasts, live game DVR, multi-game viewing and more. Monthly signups for MLB.TV Premium are now underway as well for $24.99, and the MLB.TV Single Team package is also available as a $87.49 yearly subscription.
Here's what to watch for throughout the day (all times ET):
Arrieta ready to roll: CHC@LAA, 3:10 p.m., MLB.TV
The Cubs will get their first look at Arrieta when he takes the mound against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Arrieta is coming off a season in which he went 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA for the World Series champion Cubs. First baseman is expected to return to the lineup after missing four games because of tightness in his back.
gets the ball for his second start with the Angels. Chavez, signed as a free agent this winter, is fighting for a rotation job. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Rangers last week.

Nova faces former club: NYY@PIT, 1:05 p.m., MLB.TV
starts for the Pirates in his first appearance against the Yankees. Nova was traded from New York to Pittsburgh last Aug. 1 after spending his first 12 professional seasons with New York. Pirates setup man and relievers , and are also scheduled to pitch.
takes the mound for the Yankees as he looks to continue his strong spring. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in the Grapefruit League. The Yankees are looking at Mitchell for one of their rotation spots.

Rosenthal scratched: STL@MIN, 1:05 p.m., MLB.TV
The Cardinals have scratched from his scheduled start, the result of tightness near his right armpit. will start in his place. Cardinals regulars , and are scheduled to make the trip to CenturyLink Sports Complex.
will start for the Twins. Gibson will be followed by and lefties , , J.T. Chargois and .
This game is also available via a free, exclusive audio webcast on cardinals.com.

Division rivals meet: TEX@SEA, 3:10 p.m., MLB.TV
A.J. Griffin will make his first start and third appearance of the spring as the Rangers travel to Peoria Stadium to play the Mariners in a matchup of American League West clubs. Griffin tossed three shutout innings in his last appearance after allowing three earned runs in two innings in Texas' Cactus League opener.
Drew Smyly gets the ball for the Mariners in his second start of the spring. Smyly was acquired from the Rays via trade in January. Veteran relievers Nick Vincent and are slated to pitch in relief for Seattle.

The wait is over: BOS@HOU, 1:05 p.m., Gameday Audio
After three months, Sale will finally get on a mound for the Red Sox. The lanky left-hander was acquired from the White Sox in a blockbuster trade in December, giving Boston one of the best rotations in baseball.
"I think I was ready on Dec. 7. I've been preparing for this," said Sale, a five-time AL All-Star with Chicago. "Very exciting. Now we're getting more into playing real baseball and not throwing off a side mound in simulation or anything like that. I'm excited, it'll be fun, and I'm throwing against Houston, so we'll go see the new ballpark. It'll be nice."

Red Sox regulars , and are scheduled to make the trip and be in the starting lineup at the new Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
gets the ball for the Astros, while third baseman will make his final start before leaving to join Team USA for the Classic.
Kluber debuts: MIL@CLE, 3:05 p.m.
Kluber, Cleveland's No. 1 starter, makes his Cactus League debut in a split-squad contest against the Brewers at Goodyear Ballpark. Kluber won the AL Cy Young award in 2014 and helped the Tribe reach the World Series last season.
Matt Garza gets the ball for the Brewers, and will start at first base against his former club. Milwaukee claimed Aguilar off waivers in February, and the team is looking at him as a backup first baseman and right-handed power bat off the bench.

Matz ready for action: NYM@MIA, 1:05 p.m., Gameday Audio
The Mets will keep a close eye on Matz in his Grapefruit League debut. The start is his first live game action since undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow in September.
takes the mound for the Marlins in his final start with the club before joining the Dominican Republic squad for the Classic. Outfielders and are scheduled to start in their final appearances with the Marlins before they head off to join Team USA.

A-Gon cleared to play: LAD@COL, 3:10 p.m., Gameday Audio
Gonzalez is expected to make his Cactus League debut against the Rockies as the designated hitter after missing 10 games with right elbow tendinitis. The slugger is scheduled to play again Tuesday before joining Team Mexico for the Classic.
Lefty starts for the visiting Dodgers opposite Rockies right-hander .