Dodgers Defer Spring Training After Blowout Loss to Cubs

GLENDALE, AZ - It's only Day 1 of spring training, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have already thrown in the towel—figuratively speaking, of course. After suffering a humiliating blowout loss to the Chicago Cubs in their very first spring training game today, manager Dave Roberts has announced that the team will be deferring the rest of their spring training. Yes, you read that right. The Dodgers are hitting the pause button on their preseason prep faster than you can say “World Finals favorites.”

The game, which saw the Cubs dominate in a lopsided affair, left Dodger Nation scratching their heads. But if you’ve followed this franchise, you know deferring things is practically their MO. From deferring massive salaries on player contracts (looking at you, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts) to leaving it to the cops to handle unruly Dodger fans setting off fireworks every night in the neighborhood, LA’s got a history of kicking the can down the road. Now, it seems spring training has joined the deferral list.

“I guarantee this won’t affect us for the regular season. You can put that on record,” Roberts told reporters with his trademark calm demeanor, though the furrowed brow suggested he might be second-guessing the decision. The move has left fans and players alike stunned, especially the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup, who’ve relied on spring training as their “ramp up” to get ready for the grind ahead.

Mookie Betts, usually the picture of composure, couldn’t hide his surprise. “Spring training’s always been our chance to shake off the rust, get the timing down,” Betts said, shaking his head. “Deferring it all? That’s… unexpected.”

Freddie Freeman, the veteran first baseman, echoed the sentiment. “We use these games to build chemistry, fine-tune things. I’m shocked they’re pulling the plug so early,” Freeman admitted, adjusting his cap. “But I guess we’ll have to trust the plan.”

Even Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom who’s already juggling a $700 million contract with deferred payments, seemed taken aback. “Spring training is crucial for me—pitching, hitting, getting my rhythm,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “This is… different. I’m not sure what to make of it.”

So, what’s the strategy here? Roberts didn’t elaborate much beyond his bold guarantee, but sources say the Dodgers are now focusing their energy on the regular season opener—a rematch against the Cubs, this time when it really counts. That’s right, LA will face Chicago in Tokyo on March 18 for the MLB season kickoff, and the team clearly wants to save their A-game for the global stage.

For now, Dodger fans can only hope Roberts’ confidence isn’t misplaced. With a roster packed with talent and a history of postseason success, LA’s deferral tactic might just be another quirky chapter in their story. But if this spring training experiment backfires? Well, let’s just say the fireworks from those rowdy fans might get a lot louder.