The Chicago Cubs infielder situation for opening day looks less rosy following Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs revealed last week that Nico Hoerner will not be starting at second base against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan as he recovers from flexor tendon surgery.

Cubs right-hander Javier Assad has been sidelined this spring due to oblique soreness, and 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine relays on Saturday that the righty won’t be ready to pitch in time for either the Tokyo Series on March 18 or the club’s stateside opener against the Diamondbacks on March 27.

The Cubs will take on the Dodgers in their 2025 opener. And now Chicago fans know exactly who will be on the mound.

Shota Imanaga will toe the rubber in his native Japan when the Cubs open the 2025 MLB season against the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome.

After Mexican pitcher Javier Assad was sidelined during spring training, things didn't get any better. It's now official: Assad will miss MLB's Opening Day in both Tokyo and the United States. According to Bruce Levine from 670 The Score,