Given their looming trip to Japan, the Dodgers and Cubs are working under a different Spring Training schedule than the rest of baseball. That is why the clubs are taking the field at Camelback Ranch right now, marking the first baseball game of the 2025 preseason.
It might feel early, but there is still an energy that arrives with that first game of the year.
“They’ll be excited,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said of the players. “In our case this year, I think there is some added -- I don’t want to say importance -- but urgency to these games. We leave for Japan in 20 days, and so that, I think, gives everybody a ‘make each day count’ type of message.”
The Cubs and Dodgers will depart Arizona in mid-March for the March 18-19 Tokyo Series, plus exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers in the days leading up to the regular-season tilts in the Tokyo Dome. First, Chicago and Los Angeles will get their Cactus League slate rolling with Thursday’s clash in Glendale, Ariz., followed by another game on Friday at Sloan Park in Mesa.
"I wish I had a couple more days,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “But it is what it is. And I know the guys are excited to get back out there."
When is the game and how can I watch it?
The Cubs-Dodgers game is underway and is be available via MLB.TV and televised by SportsNet LA and MLB Network (out-of-market only).
Who is expected to pitch in the game?
Cubs: Right-hander Cody Poteet, who was acquired from the Yankees in the offseason trade that sent Cody Bellinger to New York, got the start for Chicago. Other pitchers from MLB camp penciled in for appearances include Brad Keller, Daniel Palencia, No. 17 prospect Jack Neely and Brooks Kriske.
Dodgers: Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to start Game 1 of the Tokyo Series, took the mound to start the Cactus League opener. With a year of Major League experience under his belt, Yamamoto has looked sharp in camp and has set high expectations heading into his sophomore season.
Which position players are expected to appear?
Cubs: Most of Chicago's main position-player group are not in the starting lineup for the opener at Camelback Ranch. Starting first baseman Michael Busch -- acquired from the Dodgers prior to last season -- is the only regular who made the trip, though three of Chicago's seven Top 100 prospects -- Moises Ballesteros (No. 69), James Triantos (No. 73) and Kevin Alcántara (No. 90) -- are in the lineup.
Dodgers: Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy are the only three Dodgers regulars in the starting lineup for the team's first Cactus League game, with offseason acquisition Hyeseong Kim and No. 30 overall prospect Dalton Rushing also in the starting nine.
Who are some notable new faces on both teams?
Cubs: The North Siders were busy this winter -- most notably having acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Astros. Chicago also brought in closer Ryan Pressly, lefty Matthew Boyd, catcher Carson Kelly and utility man Jon Berti, among others. Former Dodgers Justin Turner and Ryan Brasier are also newcomers for the Cubs.
Dodgers: There are several newcomers to L.A. after a bustling offseason. There’s Roki Sasaki, the highly regarded starter from Japan, and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell in the rotation. Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, both All-Stars last season, are additions to the bullpen. Outfielder Michael Conforto and Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim are new to the position-player ranks.
Are there any notable injuries right now?
Cubs: Second baseman Nico Hoerner is working his way back from October surgery to address the flexor tendon in his right forearm and should be active early in the season. Righty Javier Assad (left oblique) has been slowed in the early part of camp. Top prospect Matt Shaw (No. 19 on Pipeline’s Top 100) has also dealt with some left oblique soreness, but he has been ramping up baseball activities in recent workouts.
Dodgers: Several Dodgers came into Spring Training while still recovering from lingering ailments. Shohei Ohtani (right elbow surgery, left shoulder surgery) is expected to eventually participate in Cactus League games as a hitter but not as a pitcher. Freddie Freeman (right ankle surgery) is ramping up but has not been cleared to run. Miguel Rojas (sports hernia surgery) is "pretty close to 100%" after an infection slowed his offseason program. Evan Phillips (rotator cuff) and Michael Kopech (right forearm) entered camp a little behind in their throwing programs and may need to begin the season on the injured list.
What is the ABS Challenge System and how will it be used in Thursday’s game?
In the ABS challenge system, the home-plate umpire calls balls and strikes. But Hawk-Eye technology is running in the background, monitoring the exact location of the pitch relative to the batter’s strike zone. This allows players to ask for a challenge of a ball or strike call that they feel the umpire got wrong.
In ABS challenge games played during Spring Training 2025, each team will start the game with two challenges apiece. The batter, the pitcher or the catcher can challenge an umpire’s call. Challenges must be made immediately after the umpire’s call, without assistance from the dugout or other players.
For details on how the ABS challenge system will be tested during Spring Training, read more here.