Cubs Pitcher Keegan Thompson to Miss Tokyo Series

Pitcher will not be on team's travel roster for season-opening games in Japan

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Keegan Thompson will not be included on the team's 31-man travel roster for the season-opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo on March 18 and 19, according to reports.

Why it matters

The Cubs' season-opening series in Tokyo is a high-profile event that marks the start of the 2026 MLB season. Thompson's absence from the travel roster means he will miss out on the opportunity to pitch in the international games.

The details

Thompson, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher, is expected to be a key part of the Cubs' starting rotation this season. However, the team has decided not to include him on the travel roster for the Tokyo series for undisclosed reasons.

  • The Cubs will play the Dodgers in Tokyo on March 18 and 19, 2026.

The players

Keegan Thompson

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

Chicago Cubs

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles, California.

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What they’re saying

“Thompson won't be included on the Cubs' 31-man travel roster for the season-opening series against the Dodgers in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.”

— Maddie Lee, Reporter (Chicago Sun-Times)

The takeaway

The Cubs' decision to leave Keegan Thompson off the travel roster for the Tokyo series means the team will be without one of its key pitchers for the high-profile international games to start the 2026 season.