Thursday's Cactus League game features a rubber match between the Indians and Reds

Cleveland Indians @ Cincinnati Reds

Thursday, March 5, 2015 @ 3:05 ET

TV: STO and MLB.tv

Radio: MLB.com

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Thankfully, the Tribe got off the mark with a much improved performance yesterday. They now face the Reds again in a rubber match this afternoon at Goodyear Ballpark.

Trevor Bauer will start for the Tribe, and he'll be followed by Bruce Chen, Ryan Merritt and Anthony Swarzak. Each of those guys will probably pitch for 1-2 innings, with Austin Adams coming in for either the 8th or 9th. Both Chen and Swarzak were signed as minor league free agents and have enough of a track record that one or other might squeak onto the 25-man. Many of us will be getting our first glimpse of Ryan Merritt, last season's Indians minor league pitcher of the year, who was recently promoted to the 40-man roster.

Here's the batting order:
1. Jose Ramirez (SS)
2. Yan Gomes (C)
3. Michael Brantley (LF)
4. Carlos Santana (1B)
5. Lonnie Chisenhall (3B)
6. David Murphy (RF)
7. Mike Aviles (CF)
8. Jerry Sands (DH)
9. Michael Martinez (2B)

Today's line-up contains six players who might well start on opening day, and includes a 2015 ST debut for Michael Brantley. Mike Aviles returns to CF, where he doesn't belong. Jerry Sands and Michael Martinez were signed as minor league free agents during the off-season and will be hoping to make enough of an impression to make it to Columbus.

Enjoy the game...