The Chicago Cubs are set for a high-profile spring training matchup Saturday as they travel to Glendale, Arizona, to take on the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers, who enter the split-squad contest with a 6-1 record, are coming off their first loss of the spring a lopsided defeat to the San Francisco Giants. Meanwhile, the Cubs improved to 3-5 after earning an 8-6 win over the Cleveland Guardians, a game that featured a spring debut from pitcher Edward Cabrera and the first home run of camp from Dansby Swanson.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. MT (2:05 p.m. CT) at Camelback Ranch.
Right-hander Colin Rea will make his second appearance of the spring for Chicago. In his initial outing, he allowed one earned run on three hits over 1.2 innings while striking out two. Rea is building up as a potential starter but could also fill a swing role, similar to last season when he posted an 11-7 record with a 3.95 ERA across 32 games (27 starts).
Chicago’s lineup includes Matt Shaw at third base, Kevin Alcantara serving as designated hitter, and Dylan Carlson in center field. Chas McCormick will handle left field duties, with Christian Bethancourt behind the plate. The infield also features James Triantos at second, B.J. Murray at first, and Scott Kingery at shortstop, while Justin Dean slots into right field.
The Cubs continue to manage several injuries. Left-hander Justin Steele remains on a throwing program as he works back from UCL revision surgery and is expected to return later this season. Tyler Austin is sidelined for months following knee surgery, Jordan Wicks is dealing with forearm inflammation but avoided structural damage, and Jonathon Long is recovering from a left elbow sprain that forced him to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic.
Chicago will continue its exhibition slate in the coming weeks, including additional split-squad games and televised matchups, as it looks to build momentum before Opening Day.
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