The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their Cactus League campaign on Thursday, February 20, 2025, against the Chicago Cubs, but the game was overshadowed by a concerning incident involving Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller. The third inning turned harrowing when Miller was struck on the head by a powerful line drive off the bat of Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, clocked at 106 miles per hour.
Miller, who had just taken to the mound at the beginning of the inning, managed to throw only 11 pitches before the frightening moment unfolded. The impact knocked his cap off and sent him tumbling to the ground, leading to immediate concern from players and spectators alike. Fortunately, after the injury delay, Miller walked off the field under his own power, albeit with what appeared to be a serious bump forming on his right temple.
The incident resulted in one run for the Cubs, with Vidal Bruján, who was on second base at the time, scoring during the chaos. The Cubs capitalized on the emotional moment, scoring five more runs to secure a commanding 6-3 lead by the end of the inning. Dodgers infielder Max Muncy later expressed relief when he remarked on Miller's alertness post-hit, saying, "When the trainer came out and asked him if he knew where he was, he made a little joke about hanging a curveball." Muncy's comment highlighted Miller's resilience, even amid adversity.
This spring training game marks the beginning of Miller's new season after struggling last year with an 8.52 ERA. After making his MLB debut with the Dodgers during the 2023 season, where he showed promise, Miller faced challenges throughout the 2024 campaign, leading to multiple minor league stints. His position on this deep and expensive Dodgers roster now hangs precariously on the assessment of his health following the injury.
On the other side, the Cubs were eager to kick off their spring training against the reigning World Series champions and 2025 favorites, as they prepare for their regular season debut against the Dodgers again—this time at the Tokyo Dome—only weeks later.
Although the game wasn't broadcast locally, fans could tune in via MLB Network and stream it online, ensuring those interested wouldn’t miss this pivotal matchup to start the baseball season.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the game also debuted the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) technology at the Major League level. While similar systems have been tested in minor leagues, this game is historic for baseball as it experimented with allowing teams to challenge two ball or strike calls per game. Players could trigger challenges by tapping their helmets, enhancing the interaction between the athletes and the game's officiation.
For the Cubs, this game presented opportunities to showcase prospects and evaluate their bench depth, with notable players like Moises Ballesteros and Kevin Alcantara featuring prominently. While only Michael Busch was expected to be a regular starter, the Cubs were set on exploring multiple player dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Conversely, the Dodgers' lineup included multiple regulars, such as Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, displaying their depth and potential offensive prowess. Notably absent were superstar Shohei Ohtani and veteran Freddie Freeman, who were not included for this spring matchup. The balance between seasoned stars and developing talent will be key for both teams as they carve their paths through the intense 2025 MLB season.
Overall, this spring training matchup not only set the tone for the upcoming seasons of both the Dodgers and the Cubs but also offered insight on the revolutionary ABS system as it seeks approval for future use. With the Dodgers leading MLB last year with significant statistics—including 98 wins and the most total bases—expectations are high for them to retain their championship title this year.
The injury to Bobby Miller will linger as the primary focus for the Dodgers moving forward, nonetheless, fans are hopeful for swift recovery and return of their pitcher, who had shown much promise. The early spring matchup demonstrates the competitive nature of MLB and raises excitement for the regular season, where both clubs aim to not only succeed but also capture the championship title.