Early Spring Training Kickoff for Cubs and Dodgers
MESA, Ariz. — With the highly anticipated Tokyo Series set to open the 2025 MLB season in mid-March, the Cubs and Dodgers wasted no time in getting a head start on spring training. Both teams reported to camp a few days earlier than the 28 other clubs, making it fitting that they faced each other in the first official game of spring training on Thursday at Camelback Ranch, followed by a rematch on Friday in Mesa. While only a portion of the teams’ starters participated, these early contests provided a glimpse into several storylines that will be worth monitoring as the spring progresses, especially with their flights to Japan just around the corner.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Impressive Cutter
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ starting pitcher on Thursday, threw 27 pitches over 1⅔ innings. Despite his 2024 season being interrupted by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for three months, Yamamoto’s rookie season was largely successful, culminating in a spectacular performance in World Series Game 2, where he one-hit the Yankees over 6⅓ innings. During his brief outing on Thursday, all three of his primary pitches—fastball, curveball, and splitter—looked sharp, but it was his cutter that truly stood out. The pitch reached 94.3 mph to strike out Nicky Lopez at the end of the first inning, tying his highest velocity from last year (averaging 91.5 mph). It will be intriguing to see if Yamamoto can maintain a higher velocity on this pitch and possibly increase its usage, which he threw just 6% of the time in 2024.
Bobby Miller’s Scary Comebacker and Optimistic Outlook
Right-hander Bobby Miller, who faced a significant sophomore slump in 2024 (posting an 8.52 ERA), entered the Dodgers’ spring training with high hopes and a lot to prove. Unfortunately, his debut spring outing was abruptly cut short on Thursday when he was struck on the head by a line drive from Michael Busch in the third inning. Despite the scary incident, Miller was able to walk off the field under his own power and seemed to have avoided any serious injury. He entered concussion protocol postgame but arrived at camp the next day feeling generally okay. The Dodgers are taking it slow with the 25-year-old, but they remain optimistic that he can resume throwing soon. For a pitcher in Miller’s position, every day of spring training is crucial to making his case for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Hopefully, he’ll return to the mound soon and continue his efforts to secure a place in the big-league club.
Gage Workman’s Strong Impression
Cubs manager Craig Counsell had plenty to talk about after Gage Workman, the team’s Rule 5 draft pick from the Tigers, made a significant impact in the first two games of spring training. Workman, a switch-hitter who decided to hit exclusively left-handed last year, smacked a fastball from Justin Wrobleski over the left-field fence on Friday, an especially impressive feat given his limited experience facing same-handed pitching. Counsell acknowledged the pressure Workman must feel, noting the importance of making a good impression. "It’s easy for this player to put a lot of pressure on himself," Counsell said. "But he’s making a great impression in a situation where there are a lot of nerves and anxiety." Workman’s defensive skills also shone, starting two double-plays with slick fielding. With veterans Jon Berti and Justin Turner in the mix, Workman’s path to the Opening Day roster is narrow, but his performance and local connections (being from Arizona) could give him a bit of an edge. Having family and friends in the stands cheering him on has been a positive addition to his spring training experience.
Daniel Palencia’s Fiery Pitching
Another player making a strong bid for a spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster is 25-year-old right-hander Daniel Palencia. Despite posting a 5.02 ERA in 43 major-league innings over the past two seasons, Palencia possesses some of the best stuff in the organization. On Friday, he unleashed a 101.3 mph fastball to strike out Ryan Ward, a velocity that is just shy of the 102.5 mph he reached in the minors last year. Palencia’s 39.5% strikeout rate in Triple-A last season was third among relievers with at least 30 innings, but his 12.8% walk rate remains a concern. The Cubs have bolstered their bullpen with veterans Ryan Pressly, Ryan Brasier, Caleb Thielbar, and Eli Morgan, making it a tough competition for Palencia. However, if he can refine his command and make the necessary adjustments, he could earn high-leverage opportunities. His performance so far is a reminder of the raw talent he brings to the table.
Zyhir Hope’s Defensive Prowess
Zyhir Hope, one of the youngest players in any big-league camp at just 20 years old, has been turning heads with his defensive skills. Traded to the Dodgers from the Cubs as part of the return for Michael Busch, Hope had a standout summer in Low-A in 2024 and continued to impress in the Arizona Fall League. He appeared in both of the Dodgers’ first two games against the Cubs, demonstrating his exceptional glovework. On Thursday, he made two outstanding catches in left field, and on Friday, while playing right field, he nearly made a diving grab on a sinking line drive in the eighth inning. While his offensive potential is what has scouts excited, his development as a defender, especially his ability to handle center field, could be the key to elevating him from a very good prospect to an elite one.
The Arrival of the ABS Challenge System
Perhaps the most significant development of the spring is the official introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, which MLB previewed during the annual spring media day. About 60% of spring training games will feature Hawkeye tracking technology, allowing each team to challenge two ball/strike calls per game. The system retains challenges if successful, adding a new layer of strategy and entertainment to the games. During the Cubs-Dodgers game on Thursday, Cubs starter Cody Poteet threw a fastball in an 0-1 count to Max Muncy that was initially ruled a ball by home plate umpire Tony Randazzo. Poteet quickly challenged the call, and less than 20 seconds later, the video board confirmed that the pitch was indeed in the strike zone. The call was overturned, changing the count to 0-2, and Muncy went on to strike out. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joked pregame that he would ban third baseman Muncy from challenging any calls, given his frequent criticisms of the strike zone. However, Muncy found himself on the receiving end of a challenge. "Freddie said I was banned from being able to challenge, so then I come back in here, and he’s waiting at my locker laughing at my face that I was the one that got challenged on," Muncy said with a smile. For now, Counsell isn’t overly concerned about the strategic implications of the new system, but he did note its seamless integration and potential entertainment value for fans. "It’s not disruptive to the flow of the game. And I think eventually the fans will enjoy the scoreboard part of it," he said.
