Baseball is officially back! The Chicago Cubs took on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first spring training game of 2025. The starting lineup for the Cubs had some big name prospects, along with newly acquired Cody Poteet starting on the mound. Cody allowed 3 runs in just 1.1 innings of work, however, he did have the first successful ABS challenge of 2025. For those who don’t know, ABS stands for automatic ball-strike system. ABS is a challenge system for pitchers, catchers, and hitters. Each team gets two challenges per game. If your challenge is successful then you retain them. One thing to note about this experiment is that nobody from the dugout is allowed to challenge a ball or strike. This has been in the works in the minors for some time and is now being introduced at the big league level, but only for spring training as of right now. It was awesome to see Poteet successfully challenge a ball call on Max Muncy in the first inning. Strangely enough, it was the only time it was used for the rest of the game.

The Dodgers jumped out to a 3-run lead in the second inning, but failed to do much else the rest of the game. In fact the only other run they scored came in the 8th inning. From the top of the third on, it was all Cubbies. Here are my notes from the game:

• Michael Busch had the first hit of the 2025 season and finished his afternoon going 2-3 with a run, RBI, and a KO. Jokes aside, let’s hope Bobby Miller is alright. Michael Busch hit a 106mph line drive right off of Miller’s forehead for his second hit of the game. Luckily, Miller was able to walk himself off the field after sustaining that blow.
• Gage Workman impressed in his Cubs debut. The Rule-5 pick for the Cubs this offseason got the nod at third today and impressively initiated two 5-4-3 double plays, had a nice charging play, an oppo two-strike single in the first, and a 2 run opposite field homer to cap off his day. Workman is fighting for a spot on this roster and if he plays like this everyday he may have a shot at starting third baseman opening day if the Cubs want to give Matt Shaw a bit more time.
• Reese McGuire, who will be battling for the backup catcher spot this season, had a very nice two-strike 2-run double.
• Ivan Brethowr, the Cubs 7th round draft pick from last year, had an absolute tank to left field. The ball traveled 382ft and had an exit velo of 108.4mph. I should note that the 6’6″ 250lb outfielder has received Aaron Judge comparisons
• MLB’s #90 prospect Kevin Alcantara smoked a ball 107.3 mph for his second hit of the afternoon. The Jaguar has high hopes for this season, as he fights for a spot on the opening day roster.
• Finally, Daniel Palencia certainly impressed today. The righty got up to 101.3 mph in a scoreless inning of work. Throwing absolute Ched, lets hope he keeps this up.

Those were my notes for the game, now for some other notes for the Cubs-

• OF Alexander Canario was DFA’d today in order to make room on the 40 man for newly signed veteran Justin Turner. Turner, 40, was officially signed today for 1 year $6mil. He will be bring a good veteran presence to the dugout, as well as depth at 1st and 3rd base. Losing Canario like this sucks. He didn’t get enough of a shot in his cup of coffee with the Cubs, but the 25 year old has a lot of raw potential. Hopefully he gets a shot somewhere else.
• INF Matt Shaw is recovering and “doing great” as he was hitting in the cage and throwing today.
• OF Owen Caissie has left groin tightness and is shut down as of right now with no time table. Caissie underwent core muscle surgery this winter. Hope he will be healthy and good to go sooner than later.
• OF Brett Bateman will undergo hamate surgery on his right hand. Bateman, who has been climbing the ranks in the Cubs system will miss some time for this- again we wish for a speedy recovery.
• Some good news for Javier Assad who has resumed catch today, let’s hope he is ready to go soon enough too. Get some spring training Ass-man action going.