Indians vs. Reds in first game of spring training

Cleveland Indians @ Cincinnati Reds

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 @ 3:05 ET

TV: STO and MLB.tv (plus the MLB Network at ~4:00)

Radio: WTAM

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The baseball is back, and boy am I ever ready for it. The Tribe kicks off its Cactus League schedule by facing the Reds. Because both teams play their spring training games at Goodyear Field, one of them has to be the road team, and today that's the Indians, so they'll get to bat first.

Here are the pitchers scheduled to appear today for the Tribe:

Zach McAllister, Nick Hagadone, Charles Brewer, Bryan Price, Michael Roth, and Dustin Molleken.

McAllister is supposed to throw two innings, and they give him his first in-game opportunity to make his case for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Danny Salazar, T.J. House, and Josh Tomlin (plus maybe Bruce Chen) are all in the mix for that spot, and McAllister certainly isn't the favorite to land it. That competition is maybe the biggest thing to keep an eye on this month.

Today's starting lineup for the Indians:

1. Jose Ramirez (SS)
2. Yan Gomes (C)
3. Lonnie Chisenhall (3B)
4. Carlos Santana (1B)
5. David Murphy (RF)
6. Mike Aviles (2B)
7. Tyler Holt (DH)
8. James Ramsey (LF)
9. Tyler Naquin (CF)

Generally the starters stay in the game long enough to get a couple at bats before being replaced. (Teams aren't limited to 25 players during spring training, and it's rare anyone plays a full game until the last couple weeks before Opening Day.)

I'll be tied up with work for most of the game, but hope to be able to take a peak at the last inning or two.

Enjoy the baseball, folks.