Cubs Return from Tokyo, Battle Jet Lag and Prepare for Home Opener
MESA, Arizona Following their whirlwind trip to Tokyo for the opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs have returned to their spring training home in Mesa, Arizona, albeit with a touch of lingering weariness. Despite the jet lag and sleep deprivation, the team is eager to recalibrate and prepare for the upcoming domestic season, beginning with their opening day matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
While many players were still adjusting to the time difference, Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the value of the experience in Japan. He expressed a sentiment shared by the entire team, stating that they would eagerly participate in such an event again, highlighting the unique opportunity to engage with fans and experience a different culture.
Veteran reliever Ryan Brasier humorously described his battle with jet lag, admitting that he woke up at 4 AM despite initially feeling adjusted. Despite the sleep disruptions, he remains focused on preparing for the season.
Dansby Swanson, the Cubs’ shortstop, was also feeling the effects of the trip but opted to play in the Saturday spring training game against the Colorado Rockies. He explained his decision by stating his preference to get his body moving rather than waiting to recover, relying on medication to manage his symptoms.
Justin Steele, the Cubs’ starting pitcher, is particularly motivated to move forward. His debut in Tokyo against the Dodgers was rough, marred by five hits, five earned runs, and three home runs. However, he received a welcome piece of news when Counsell announced that Steele would be the team’s domestic opening-day starter against the Diamondbacks. Steele views this as an opportunity to immediately put the Tokyo outing behind him.
The trip to Japan was memorable for a variety of reasons, including a welcome party at the Kanda Myojin Shrine hosted by Cubs DH Seiya Suzuki and starter Shōta Imanaga. The event featured a massive 400-pound tuna that the players cut open, followed by a performance by samurai warriors, creating a unique cultural immersion.
Ian Happ praised the dining experiences in Japan, highlighting the variety and quality of the food. The Cubs appreciated the effort made at the Tokyo Dome to cater to players’ dietary preferences.
One notable aspect of the series in Tokyo was the overwhelming support for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers, despite the Cubs being designated as the home team. The Cubs were aware of Ohtani’s popularity in Japan before the trip but were still astounded by his omnipresence and the fervor surrounding him.
Steele described Ohtani’s presence as ubiquitous, noting his appearances in gas stations and malls. Swanson likened Ohtani to Michael Jordan, emphasizing the craze and desire to catch a glimpse of him. Happ commented on the sheer number of advertisements featuring Ohtani, recognizing his immense popularity in a country where baseball is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Happ also mentioned the warm reception he received from Japanese fans, recounting instances of fans holding signs specifically for him, an experience he found amazing.
While Imanaga may not have the same level of stardom as Ohtani, his debut against the Dodgers took a physical and emotional toll. In recognition of this, the Cubs are giving him extra rest and pushing back his first start to the third game of the series against the Diamondbacks, positioning him for the home opener at Wrigley Field.
Counsell explained that Imanaga was feeling "under the weather" and needed time to recover from the rigors of the trip. The Cubs also acknowledge the emotional challenges faced by the Dodgers’ Japanese players, Yamamoto, Sasaki and Ohtani. Counsell recognized that the trip held greater significance for those players, adding an emotional component to the experience.
Brasier, who played in Japan in 2017, expressed his emotional response to witnessing the passion Japanese fans had for Suzuki and Imanaga during their homecoming. He recalled the intense baseball culture, noting that 23 million people in Japan watched the Cubs’ games.
After the games in Tokyo, the Cubs look forward to establishing a routine. They will play three more spring training games at Sloan Park before traveling to Phoenix and then Sacramento for the Athletics’ new temporary home opener. The Cubs will finally return to Chicago for their home opener against the Padres on April 4.
Happ humorously pointed out that the team will have participated in seven opening-day style player introductions by their tenth game of the season, a testament to their unconventional start.
The Cubs are anticipating a more familiar atmosphere as they return to playing games in the United States. Third baseman Matt Shaw, who made his major-league debut in Japan, described the experience as an "entertainment event," noting the smoke, drums, and on-field ceremonies. He looks forward to settling into a baseball routine.
Happ acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from meaningful regular-season games to spring training. He noted that the team is focused on acclimating, getting at-bats, and ensuring they are ready for the season.
Normalcy has rarely felt so desirable for the Cubs, as they anticipate settling into a consistent schedule and a more predictable environment. The team is focused on clearing their heads, overcoming jet lag, and reminding themselves that the upcoming games serve as vital preparation for the long season ahead.
