Season Opening in Tokyo
The Chicago Cubs are set to begin their season on March 18 with a historic two-game series in Tokyo, Japan against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This international opener presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges as the team navigates early-season preparation on foreign soil.
Starting Pitchers for the Overseas Debut
The Cubs have already designated their starting pitchers for the Tokyo games. Shota Imanaga is scheduled to pitch in the first game, while Justin Steele will take the mound in the second contest. Both left-handers are currently healthy, and their assignments indicate an intent to maintain normal preparation routines ahead of the overseas start.
Injury Concerns and Rotation Depth
In contrast to the smoothly prepared starting duo, the pitching staff has confronted issues with injuries in recent days. Javier Assad, who was expected to secure the No. 5 spot in the rotation, is sidelined with an oblique injury and will begin the season on the injured list. With Assad unavailable, the competition for the remaining rotation spots will intensify among Matthew Boyd, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and Colin Rea. Although additional time remains before the season opener, there is concern that more injuries could affect the pitching depth.
Veteran Support on the Horizon
Anticipating potential setbacks from early-season demands, the Cubs are considering proactive measures in free agency to bolster their pitching staff. The focus has been on acquiring seasoned veterans to mitigate injury risks. Among those under evaluation are Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. Gibson, a right-hander with a track record of durability, completed 30 starts over three consecutive seasons with solid numbers. His ability to consistently pitch a significant number of innings, along with his experience, makes him an attractive option if further injuries compel the Cubs to reinforce their rotation.
The team faces a critical juncture as it embarks on its international campaign, balancing the excitement of a unique season opener with the practical challenges of managing player health and maintaining depth in the pitching staff. How the Cubs navigate these early obstacles will be instrumental in setting the tone for the rest of the season.