Cubs in Japan!

We have a busy week of action coming up in both spring training and games that matter, so consider this an all-purpose game thread. The Thursday Spring Breakout Game was canceled due to rain (!) in the desert, but there’s another one on tap so let’s see what we have to look forward to…

Exhibitions

Friday, March 14

On Pi Day, or I guess Saturday the Ides of March in Japan, the Cubs will be taking on the Hanshin Tigers at the Tokyo Dome. Apparently Julian Merryweather will be the opener for what should be a bullpen game. The game is scheduled for 10 PM Central, and should be available on Marquee.

Saturday, March 15

Back in the United States, the Angels Prospects will visit the Cubs Prospects at Sloan Park for the second scheduled Spring Breakout game for the Cubs, pending weather or whatever else may happen. The game starts at 8:05 PM Central and should be on the Marquee app and MLB Network for the out-of-market folks.

Sunday, March 16

This would be a Sunday evening game for the Cubs back in Japan as they take on the Yomiuri Giants. Jameson Taillon will get his work in for this game as I presume it’s his day to throw anyway, and it starts at 5 AM Central with broadcasts on Marquee and MLB Network.

The Games That Matter

This will be the first official games of the 2025 MLB season as the Cubs “host” the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome. We have the pitching matchups already so let’s get into it…

Tuesday, March 18

Dodgers – Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP)

Cubs – Shota Imanaga (LHP)

5:10 AM Central

TV – Marquee, FOX

Radio – 670 The Score

Wednesday, March 19

Dodgers – Roki Sasaki (RHP)

Cubs – Justin Steele (LHP)

5:10 AM Central

TV – Marquee, FS1

Radio – 670 The Score