🔥 Dodgers vs Cubs Spring Training Preview: Updated 2026 Lineups, Pitching Matchup & How to Watch Live from Sloan Park

Spring Training action continues tomorrow as the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs in a highly anticipated Cactus League matchup at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET, giving fans another exciting preview of the upcoming Major League Baseball 2026 season.

While Spring Training games do not count toward the regular-season standings, they are essential for evaluating players, refining lineups, and preparing pitching rotations. Both teams enter this contest with strong rosters filled with star players and promising young talent.

Game Storylines

The Dodgers continue to be one of the most dominant organizations in baseball, boasting a lineup packed with elite hitters and versatile defenders. Led by global superstar Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers possess one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

Supporting Ohtani are established All-Stars such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, creating a powerful top of the order capable of scoring runs in bunches.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are entering 2026 looking to compete in the National League Central with a balanced mix of experienced hitters and developing stars. Slugger Cody Bellinger continues to anchor the lineup, while players like Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki provide offensive consistency.

Spring Training offers both teams a chance to test their depth while giving younger players an opportunity to compete against top-level MLB talent.

Projected Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup (Spring Training 2026)

1. Mookie Betts – SS

2. Shohei Ohtani – DH

3. Freddie Freeman – 1B

4. Teoscar Hernández – RF

5. Will Smith – C

6. Max Muncy – 3B

7. James Outman – CF

8. Gavin Lux – 2B

9. Andy Pages – LF

The Dodgers’ lineup remains stacked with elite hitters capable of producing power and getting on base. Betts and Ohtani at the top provide one of the most dangerous one-two combinations in baseball.

Projected Chicago Cubs Lineup (Spring Training 2026)

1. Nico Hoerner – 2B

2. Dansby Swanson – SS

3. Cody Bellinger – CF

4. Seiya Suzuki – RF

5. Christopher Morel – DH

6. Ian Happ – LF

7. Michael Busch – 1B

8. Miguel Amaya – C

9. Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF

The Cubs’ offense features a blend of contact hitters and power bats, with Bellinger serving as the centerpiece of the lineup.

Probable Pitching Matchup

Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP)
Cubs: Justin Steele (LHP)

Both pitchers are expected to throw two to three innings, which is typical during Spring Training as teams carefully build their starters’ workloads.

Yamamoto’s precision and devastating splitter have made him one of the Dodgers’ most exciting pitchers, while Steele’s command and ability to limit hard contact continue to anchor the Cubs’ rotation.

Key Matchups to Watch

Shohei Ohtani vs Justin Steele

Ohtani’s combination of power and plate discipline makes him one of the toughest hitters to face. Steele will need to rely on location and pitch movement to keep the Dodgers’ star off balance.

Cubs Young Talent vs Dodgers Pitching

The Cubs’ emerging players, including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Christopher Morel, will have opportunities to test themselves against the Dodgers’ deep pitching staff.

Expert Prediction

Spring Training games often feature frequent substitutions and bullpen rotations, making results difficult to predict. However, the Dodgers’ explosive lineup gives them a slight edge.

Projected Score

Dodgers 7
Cubs 5

How to Watch Dodgers vs Cubs Live

Fans can watch the Spring Training matchup through several broadcast options.

TV Broadcast

• SportsNet LA (Dodgers broadcast)

• Marquee Sports Network (Cubs broadcast)

Online Streaming

• MLB.TV

• MLB App

Both platforms allow fans to stream the game live on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Final Thoughts

Tomorrow’s Cactus League matchup between the Dodgers and Cubs at Sloan Park promises an exciting preview of the 2026 MLB season. With superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts leading the Dodgers and a competitive Cubs lineup anchored by Cody Bellinger, fans can expect an entertaining afternoon of baseball.

Even though it’s only Spring Training, games like this provide valuable insights into how teams are preparing for the long road to the postseason. ⚾