2/28 Feldman, Soler throw strikes

Scott Feldman likes pitching for the Cubs when the defense makes plays like Jorge Soler did in the first inning Thursday. Soler, starting in right field against the Athletics, showed his strong arm when he threw a perfect strike to get Josh Reddick out at third base as he tried to advance on Brandon Moss’ hit.

“It seems like they have some studs, some young guys who are going to be studs,” Feldman said of the Cubs’ prospects. “That throw [Soler] made from right field is about as good a throw as you can make. Reddick got thrown out there and he had a look of shock on his face, like, ‘You’re not supposed to throw me out like that.’ It was a good play.”

Feldman had a good day in his Cubs debut. He gave up two hits, walked two and struck out two over two innings.

“First time out there, you kind of get the butterflies going again,” Feldman said. “It was nice to get that one out of the way. For the most part, I was executing my pitches pretty well. I would’ve liked to have thrown more breaking balls for a strike but for the first time out, it was fine.”

– Carrie Muskat