It's early in the season, but it seems that the injury bug has already hit the Cubs. Both Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner will head to the 15-day disabled list today after developing arm injuries. Carrie Muskat tweeted that Wells has a strained right forearm, while Cashner has a strained right rotator cuff. Neither showed injury problems in camp, so this comes as a shock to the team after both did well in their first starts. Both will be re-evaluated in two weeks, and the team hopes that neither will need to undergo surgery. It's uncertain who the Cubs will call upon to replace the two in the rotation, but one option might be Casey Coleman or James Russell.
Today the Cubs will play on, despite the injuries. Ryan Dempster will look for his first win of the season after the loss suffered on Opening Day. Dempster and the Cubs will try to sweep Arizona before their off day and first road set of the season. Dempster is 2-6 against the Diamondbacks, with a career 6.07 ERA and 1.64 WHIP. Fortunately, Dempster handles two of the bigger Diamondback threats well. Justin Upton is only 2-for-12 while Chris Young is 2-for-10.
On the hill for the Diamondbacks will be Armando Galarraga.This will be Galarraga's first start of the season after snow delayed a previous game in Colorado. Galarraga has faced the Cubs only once before, in a game where he gave up four runs.
Today's weather is expected to be cloudy, with temperatures in the mid-50s and a slight chance of showers. First pitch is at 1:20 P.M. CDT and the game will be televised on WGN and FS-A.