Cubs’ Yu Darvish looking for first extended outing of spring at the White Sox

MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs are in free-fall. The sky? It’s coming down with them. All hope is just about lost.

Yes, it’s true: The Cubs have dropped five of their last six spring training games.

Or maybe it’s not that big of a deal. Hard to say.

Either way, it’s Yu Darvish day. Against the beloved White Sox, no less. Darvish said, “DH? We don’t need no stinkin’ DH.” He didn’t actually say that, but he’s in the lineup. Time to get some reps at the plate even in an American League park. They like to keep these things loose here in the Cactus League.

Darvish has thrown only 5 1/3 innings through two starts this spring. He’ll try to go longer today, like Jose Quintana, Jon Lester, Tyler Chatwood and Kyle Hendricks already have this week.

Today’s lineup vs. White Sox right-hander Reynaldo Lopez at Camelback Ranch:

• LF Ian Happ
• 2B Tommy La Stella
• C Willson Contreras
• 1B Efren Navarro
• CF Albert Almora Jr.
• SS Mike Freeman
• RF Peter Bourjos
• 3B Ryan Court
• P Yu Darvish

Once more, for your viewing pleasure:

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Email: sgreenberg@suntimes.com