E. Jackson to stay on pace, meet with Renteria

MESA, Ariz. -- Edwin Jackson will face Minor League hitters on Wednesday at the Cubs' complex to stay on schedule, while James McDonald gets the start that night against the Mariners.

Cubs manager Rick Renteria said Tuesday he has yet to talk to Jackson since his last Cactus League start on Friday, when the right-hander decided to only throw fastballs but didn't tell either the manager or pitching coach Chris Bosio. Jackson gave up three runs on four hits over three innings against Cleveland.

"I'm sure we'll have the discussion, and that will be between me and him," Renteria said.

McDonald, bothered last season by shoulder issues, was scheduled to go three innings on Wednesday against the Mariners.

Looking ahead, Jeff Samardzija and Travis Wood are expected to start Saturday and Sunday in split-squad games against the Royals and Indians, respectively, while Carlos Pimentel and Chris Rusin will get the assignments over the weekend in Las Vegas against the Mets.

Rusin, a candidate for the Cubs' fifth spot in the rotation, threw three hitless innings on Monday against the Giants. The lefty was so efficient that he needed to finish his work in the bullpen.