SEATTLE -- The A's, though still engaging in regular-season play, have already announced their Spring Training schedule for the 2017 season.
Released Friday, the schedule has the A's opening Cactus League play Feb. 25 against the host Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. Their first home game of the spring campaign falls on the next day, with the Angels visiting Hohokam Stadium.
The A's spring schedule, which begins earlier than usual because of the World Baseball Classic, features a home exhibition game against one such WBC participant, Team Italy, on March 8.
Oakland will play 36 games in all, closing out the preseason schedule back in the Bay with the Giants, as customary.