The Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series title defense is finally underway as the team is set to face the Chicago Cubs in the first Spring Training game of the season at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, on Thursday at 2 p.m. CT.
Dodgers and Cubs players are following slightly different timelines than other MLB organizations as they prepare for the Tokyo Series in just under a month.
It was revealed earlier this week by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get the nod for the first Cactus League game for Los Angeles.
The Dodgers are attempting to ramp Yamamoto up, as he will also start Game 1 of the Tokyo Series. It is unclear how much he will throw against the Cubs, but it'll likely be a couple of innings and no more than 40 pitches.
The Dodgers’ Cactus League opener starting pitcher — Yoshinobu Yamamoto — is getting set for tomorrow.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) February 19, 2025
Andrew Friedman, Dave Roberts and Brandon Gomes are all on hand.
Nick Frasso, Jackson Ferris and Jared Karros are also throwing bullpens. pic.twitter.com/xPvjo7iCN6
As for other Dodgers starters, it’s unlikely that big names like Shohei Ohtani or Freddie Freeman will play. Infielder Mookie Betts is fully healthy on the injury report, and he is a name to watch if he gets a couple of innings to start the game, as he's in the process of making a position change to shortstop.
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