Cubs Rally Late to Top Guardians in Spring Training Matchup

Dansby Swanson homers and drives in three runs in Edward Cabrera's debut for Chicago

Feb. 28, 2026 at 12:20am

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The Chicago Cubs welcomed the Cleveland Guardians to Sloan Park on Friday for a Cactus League matchup that featured the debut of new pitching acquisition Edward Cabrera. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Cubs rallying late to secure an 8-6 victory.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, and the performance of offseason additions like Cabrera will be crucial to their success in 2026. This game provided an early look at how some of the team's new pieces are fitting in during spring training.

The details

Dansby Swanson gave the Cubs an early lead with a two-run homer in the 1st inning off Guardians starter Logan Allen. Cabrera was impressive in his debut, throwing two perfect innings with three strikeouts. The Guardians rallied for five runs in the 7th inning to take a 5-3 lead, but the Cubs responded with a four-run 8th inning to regain the advantage. Leonel Espinoza and Jefferson Rojas each drove in a pair of runs in the decisive frame.

  • The game took place on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
  • Cabrera made his Cubs debut in the game.

The players

Dansby Swanson

The Cubs' new shortstop, acquired in free agency, homered and drove in three runs in the victory.

Edward Cabrera

The Cubs' new starting pitcher, acquired in a trade, made his debut and threw two perfect innings with three strikeouts.

Logan Allen

The Guardians' starting pitcher, who surrendered Swanson's two-run homer in the 1st inning.

Leonel Espinoza

The Cubs' infielder who drove in a pair of runs with a single in the 8th inning to help the team retake the lead.

Jefferson Rojas

The Cubs' outfielder who doubled in two runs in the 8th inning to extend the team's lead.

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What they’re saying

“Cabrera looked really sharp in his first outing. That kind of power stuff is exactly what we need to solidify the rotation.”

— David Ross, Cubs Manager (Cubs Insider)

“It was great to see the guys battle back after blowing the lead. That kind of resilience is going to be crucial if we want to get back to the playoffs this year.”

— Dansby Swanson (Cubs Insider)

What’s next

The Cubs will face the Dodgers on Saturday afternoon at Camelback Ranch, with Colin Rea taking the mound for Chicago.

The takeaway

This game showcased the potential of the Cubs' new-look roster, with Cabrera's impressive debut and the team's late-inning comeback highlighting the kind of talent and determination that could propel them back to contention in 2026.