MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Mar 19, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, JPN; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) delievers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cubs-Dodgers Round 2: More firepower, thinner pitching

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off the 2025 season in Toyko during the middle of March, with LA winning the two games played overseas. Nearly one month later, these two clubs will meet again for a three game series on the west coast. This time around, more firepower will be featured in each team’s lineup, but their pitching options will be thinner.

Chicago Cubs roster changes since Opening Day in Toyko

Since March 18-19, the Cubs lineup now features Nico Hoerner. He missed the Japan series as he was in the process of working his way back from off-season elbow surgery. Hoerner’s return has been huge for Chicago as he is hitting the ball well (.326 batting average), stealing bases (6), and playing excellent defense.

From a pitching standpoint, Chicago will be without Justin Steele, Ryan Brasier, and Tyson Miller. Steele and Brasier both pitched against the Dodgers in March. Javier Assadd was unavailable in Japan and still is not ready to return as he is working his way back from injury.

Los Angeles Dodgers roster changes since Opening Day in Toyko

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals

For LA, they will gain Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman before round two against the Cubs starts. Betts missed the Toyko series due to an illness that resulted in him losing a lot of weight. Freeman played overseas, but was placed on the injured list in early April after tweaking his surgically repaired ankle in the shower.

On the mound, a new transaction since these two teams last played is the Dodgers placing Blake Snell on the injured list. Los Angeles will still be without Tony Gonslin, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Edgardo Henriquez as well. They were all on the 15 day IL before the Japan series and have not yet been activated.

Following round two of this Cubs and Dodgers series, the teams will meet one more time in April. This two game series from April 22-23 will be their last match up of the year.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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