The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers launched their 2025 campaigns with a historic Cactus League opener Thursday at Camelback Ranch – MLB’s first preseason game this year – setting the stage for their upcoming two-game regular-season series in Tokyo later this month.
Accelerated Spring Training Schedule
Both teams face compressed timelines due to their March 15 departure for Japan’s MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series. The clubs will play four exhibition games against Japanese teams before official regular-season matchups at Tokyo Dome on March 18-19. Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the urgency: “We leave for Japan in 20 days – that gives everybody a ‘make each day count’ message”.
Game Details and How to Watch
Thursday’s 2:05 PM CT/12:05 PM PT matchup features:
- Broadcast: MLB Network (out-of-market), SportsNet LA (Dodgers market), MLB.TV
- Starting Pitchers: Cody Poteet (Cubs) vs Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers)
- New ABS Challenge System: Teams get two challenges per game using Hawk-Eye tracking
Roster Highlights
Cubs:
- Key additions: OF Kyle Tucker (Astros trade), RP Ryan Pressly
- Not playing: Most starters except 1B Michael Busch (.775 OPS in 2024)
Dodgers:
- Marquee signings: RHP Roki Sasaki (Japan), LHP Blake Snell (2x Cy Young)
- Shohei Ohtani progressing from elbow/shoulder surgeries (hitting only)
Injury Updates
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cubs | Nico Hoerner (2B) | Post-forearm surgery recovery |
| Dodgers | Freddie Freeman (1B) | Ankle surgery rehab |
Ticket Information
Average resale prices for Cubs-Dodgers games currently sit at $35 through official partner Vivid Seats. The teams last met September 11, 2024 at Dodger Stadium.
