Cubs Drop Both Ends of Split-Squad Friday

Chicago loses to Reds 8-6 and A's 6-2 in Cactus League action

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:21pm

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The Chicago Cubs saw their first split-squad action of the Cactus League on Friday night, facing the Cincinnati Reds at Sloan Park and the Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Park. The Cubs were unable to pull off a victory in either game, losing 8-6 to the Reds and 6-2 to the A's.

Why it matters

The Cubs are preparing for the upcoming regular season, and these split-squad games are an important part of their spring training schedule. While the results don't matter, the team is looking to get their players ready and avoid any injuries before the season starts.

The details

In the game against the Reds, Cubs starter Matthew Boyd struggled, giving up 8 runs including 3 home runs. The Cubs tried to rally late with homers from prospects Jefferson Rojas and James Triantos, but ultimately fell short 8-6. Against the A's, Jameson Taillon pitched well early but ran into trouble in the 5th inning, giving up 3 runs on 2 home runs. Catcher Miguel Amaya hit 2 solo homers for the Cubs, but they couldn't overcome the deficit and lost 6-2.

  • The Cubs' split-squad games took place on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Matthew Boyd

Cubs starting pitcher who gave up 8 runs in 4.2 innings against the Reds.

Jameson Taillon

Cubs starting pitcher who pitched well early but ran into trouble against the A's.

Miguel Amaya

Cubs catcher who hit 2 solo home runs in the game against the A's.

Jefferson Rojas

Cubs prospect who hit a home run in the game against the Reds.

James Triantos

Cubs prospect who hit a home run in the game against the Reds.

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What they’re saying

“The regular season is now just a week away, so there are just a few dress rehearsals before the show starts for real. Results don't matter at this point; the only concern is just getting everyone through the week to Wrigley.”

— Sean Holland, Author

What’s next

The Cubs will head to Peoria on Saturday night to face the Seattle Mariners in their next Cactus League game.

The takeaway

While the Cubs were unable to win either of their split-squad games on Friday, the focus remains on getting their players healthy and ready for the start of the regular season. The team is still evaluating its roster and looking to avoid any injuries in the final week of spring training.