Cubs are thin as more than 10 players head to the WBC and Jameson Taillon has struggled this spring. For bettors, that suggests leaning toward the Reds moneyline or wagering on a higher run total: Chicago’s depleted lineup and shaky rotation increase the risk of an early scoring game.
Game Preview: Cubs Visit Reds Amid WBC Departures
Chicago continues spring training short-handed as multiple key players join their countries for the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs (4-6) head to Goodyear Ballpark to face the Cincinnati Reds (4-4) in a matchup that puts depth and bullpen usage under the microscope.
When & Where
Location: Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, Ariz. Time: 1:05 p.m. MT / 2:05 p.m. CT
Starting Pitcher Watch
RHP Jameson Taillon (0-2, 17.18 ERA) draws another spring start after a rough opening showing. In 3.2 innings he has allowed eight hits, seven runs, four homers, one walk and has struck out two. Taillon needs to find command quickly as long balls have been a serious issue.
Projected Cubs Lineup
2B Matt Shaw RF Kevin Alcantara C Moises Ballesteros LF Dylan Carlson CF Chas McCormick SS Jefferson Rojas 1B Owen Miller 3B Pedro Ramirez DH Scott Kingery
Injury Report & WBC Absences
More than 10 Cubs are representing their countries at the WBC, creating openings in the spring roster and chance for younger players to impress. Notable health updates: LHP Justin Steele is cleared to resume full baseball activities and is aiming for a June return to the rotation. INF Tyler Austin underwent right patellar tendon debridement surgery and will miss several months. LHP Jordan Wicks has forearm inflammation; MRI showed no structural damage. INF Jonathon Long is recovering from a left elbow sprain and withdrew from WBC participation.
Spring Form & Notes
Chicago’s lineup will be without many regulars, so role players and prospects will get meaningful reps. Taillon’s early spring troubles (especially long balls) are a concern and could prompt bullpen work or a shorter start. The absence of established bats increases volatility in run scoring and lineup consistency.
Betting Angle
With a depleted Cubs roster and Taillon’s poor spring numbers, bettors might favor the Reds on the moneyline or target game totals skewed higher, particularly early in the game. Exercise caution: spring training usage patterns and uneven lineups can make pitching matchups unpredictable.
Remaining Spring Schedule (Selected Dates)
Feb. 20 Chicago White Sox 8, Chicago Cubs 1
Feb. 21 Texas 3, Chicago 2
Feb. 22 at San Francisco 4, Chicago 2
Feb. 23 Chicago 3, Kansas City 2
Feb. 24 Chicago 6, San Diego 5
Feb. 25 Colorado 14, Chicago 7
Feb. 26 Los Angeles Angels 5, Chicago 4
Feb. 27 Chicago 8, Cleveland 6
Feb. 28 Chicago Cubs 6, Los Angeles Dodgers 2
March 2 at Cincinnati, 2:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 3 vs. Italy, 2:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 4 at Milwaukee, 2:10 p.m. CT / 1:10 p.m. MT
March 5 vs. Arizona, 2:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 6 at San Diego, 7:10 p.m. CT / 6:10 p.m.
MT March 7 vs. Athletics (split squad), 2:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 8 vs. San Francisco, 3:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 10 at Texas, 3:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 11 vs. Kansas City (split squad), 3:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 12 vs. Seattle, 3:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 13 at Chicago White Sox, 3:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 14 at Colorado, 3:10 p.m. CT / 1:10 p.m. MT
March 15 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (split squad), 3:05 p.m. CT / 1:05 p.m. MT
March 16 at Cleveland, 8:05 p.m. CT / 6:05 p.m. MT
March 17 vs. Los Angeles Angels, 8:05 p.m. CT / 6:05 p.m. MT
March 18 at Arizona, 3:10 p.m. CT / 1:10 p.m. MT
Bottom Line
The Cubs’ spring outlook is defined by opportunity and uncertainty: young players can stake claims, but the club’s depleted depth and Taillon’s struggles create clear vulnerabilities.
Chicago Cubs’ Alex Bregman Pursuit Hits Key Roadblock
For bettors, favor caution when backing Chicago until rotation and lineup stabilizers return from the WBC.
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