3/12 Maholm gets first start

Paul Maholm makes his first Cactus League start on Monday when the Cubs face the Reds at HoHoKam Park. The Cubs are using a DH since it is Maholm’s first start. Maholm was slowed this spring by the flu but Dale Sveum says the lefty isn’t that far behind the other starters.

“He hasn’t missed any time, he just hasn’t been out there for the first eight games to face another team,” Sveum said Monday.

The plan is for Maholm to go two innings or 30-35 pitches.

“Hopefully, two innings before the 35 pitches,” Sveum said.

Last season, Maholm was 6-14 with a 3.66 ERA in 26 starts with the Pirates. He made his final start Aug. 17 and then was shut down for the rest of the season because of a strained left shoulder. Sveum said they’ll watch Maholm’s innings.

“I think he’s a guy you have to stay on top of and keep those innings at a certain pace,” Sveum said. “He knows and understands how to get quick outs with the sinker so he can go deeper in the game.”

Other pitchers slated to go Monday include Lendy Castillo, Jeff Samardzija, Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol.

– Carrie Muskat