MESA, Ariz. — Extreme temperatures are forcing changes to the Chicago Cubs‘ upcoming Cactus League schedule.
Ahead of triple-digits hitting Arizona next week, the Cubs’ split-squad game on March 20, at Sloan Park has been changed to a 6:05 p.m. local start. Their other split-squad game that day against the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium has been moved to a 6:10 p.m. local start.
The temperature is projected to reach 102 degrees Wednesday and stay at triple digits through March 23, with a high of 107 degrees next Friday and Saturday. It would mark the earliest 100-degree temperatures to be recorded in the Phoenix area in a calendar year.
“Everyone knows what the week ahead looks like, so we’ll see,” bench coach Ryan Flaherty said Friday. “They moved one game already, and it’s going to be really hot, and then at the end of the month, it’ll be really cold, just kind of go along with it.
“You don’t make too much of it, but you obviously have to prepare somewhat with hydration and certain other things. So we’ll just deal with it.”
Mobile tickets through the MLB Ballpark app will automatically update with the new game time, so no ticket exchange is required. Sloan Park’s gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch.