The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers not only get to kickoff the 2025 MLB regular season, but they will also be the first to play in Spring Training. Their first game is scheduled for Thursday, February 20 with the first pitch scheduled for 2:05 pm central time.
Here is what to know about this spring training match up including projected pitchers and lineups.
Cubs and Dodgers projected pitchers for February 20
According to MLB.com, at least five Cubs pitchers are in line to pitch on Thursday. Cody Poteet will be on the mound first and then Brad Keller, Daniel Palencia, Jack Neely, and Brooks Kriske are all slated to take the mound afterwards. For Los Angeles, the Dodgers are expected to roll out Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their starter.
Lineup projections for the Cubs and Dodgers
Offensively, the Cubs only key everyday player expected to play is Michael Busch. He is entering his second season with the Cubs after being acquired by the Dodgers last off-season. For Los Angeles, none of their regulars are expected to play.
ABS challenge system will be in play
More big news to know about this match up is that a ball/strike challenge system will be in play. The ABS (automatic balls and strikes) system will be running in the background as an umpire issues balls and strikes in a traditional fashion. However a pitcher, catcher, or batter may challenge if they feel the call was wrong. Each team starts with two challenges.
Following Thursday’s game, these two teams will play each other again on Friday, February 21. Nine other teams are also scheduled to play that day, but Chicago and Los Angeles will have to wait until Saturday before facing a new opponent.
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