Dodgers and Cubs Clash in Historic Tokyo Opener, Ohtani Returns to Japan Amidst Beatlemania
The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd will echo through the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday as Major League Baseball’s 2025 season commences with an unprecedented international showdown. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, two storied franchises, will face off in a game brimming with star power and cultural significance, marking one of the most highly anticipated international contests in baseball history.
The return of Shohei Ohtani to his homeland adds an extra layer of intrigue. Ohtani, fresh off leading the Dodgers to a World Series title after an unforgettable season that saw him achieve the seemingly impossible 50-50 milestone (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) in the MLB, will undoubtedly be the focal point of attention. His historic feat cemented his status as a generational talent and further solidified his place in baseball lore.
The $700 million man, as he is affectionately known, carries the weight of expectation on his shoulders, but he is not alone in representing Japanese talent on the global stage. The Dodgers also boast the pitching prowess of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the potential future dominance of Rōki Sasaki, while the Cubs feature the established offensive threat of Seiya Suzuki and the rising star of Shōta Imanaga. This concentration of Japanese stars ensures that the series will be a celebration of the nation’s contribution to the sport.
The pitching matchup for Tuesday’s opener features Yamamoto for the Dodgers and Imanaga for the Cubs, with the Cubs designated as the home team. Yamamoto, despite a slightly shortened first season in the MLB in 2024 due to being limited to 18 starts, displayed flashes of brilliance, going 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA. He truly shone in the postseason, going 2-0 in four starts, further justifying the Dodgers’ faith in his potential.
Imanaga, on the other hand, is coming off an outstanding rookie season. The 31-year-old southpaw earned an All-Star selection and finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting, boasting a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA. His poise and skill on the mound make him a formidable opponent for the Dodgers’ lineup.
The atmosphere surrounding the series is electric, with players likening it to traveling with a rock band. "It’s going to be absolutely crazy," Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez remarked before departing for Japan, capturing the sense of anticipation and excitement that has gripped both teams and their fans. Dodgers infielder Max Muncy added, “It’s going to be like traveling with the Beatles, it’s going to be really fun, really cool and it’s going to be unforgettable.”
However, the Dodgers received a significant blow with the news that Mookie Betts has been ruled out of the Tokyo Series due to illness. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Betts has lost close to 15 pounds as a result, raising concerns about his overall strength and conditioning.
“The thing is when you lose a lot of weight, when you’re dehydrated, that’s what opens a person up to soft-tissue injuries,” Roberts explained. “We’re very mindful of that. So to take the next week, call it, to build him back up, his strength, do some baseball activities to get ready for the home opener.”
The team is considering sending Betts back to the United States early to allow him to recover and prepare for the domestic opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27th. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the Dodgers’ lineup and on defense.
The Tokyo Dome, the iconic venue for the series, provides a unique playing environment. Its dimensions measure 328 feet down the lines and 400 feet to center field, creating a balanced offensive landscape for both teams.
The game is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday and will be broadcast on FOX and streamed via Fubo, allowing fans across the United States to witness this historic event. The early start time reflects the time difference between the United States and Japan.
Beyond the individual performances and the on-field drama, the Tokyo Series represents a significant moment for Major League Baseball and its commitment to expanding its global reach. By showcasing its premier talent in international markets, MLB hopes to inspire a new generation of fans and players. The presence of Japanese stars on both teams further strengthens the connection between the sport and the nation, making this series a true celebration of baseball’s global appeal.
The series is not just about baseball; it is about cultural exchange, international cooperation, and the power of sport to unite people from different backgrounds. As the Dodgers and Cubs step onto the field at the Tokyo Dome, they will be carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of fans around the world, eager to witness history in the making.
With Ohtani’s return, Yamamoto’s debut, Imanaga’s sophomore outing, and Suzuki’s offensive prowess, the Tokyo Series promises to be a captivating spectacle that will leave a lasting impact on the baseball landscape. The combination of on-field talent and off-field excitement creates an unparalleled atmosphere that will resonate long after the final out is recorded. This international event will be a great way to start off the new season. The game itself might have to overcome the loss of Betts but the players on the field are all stars for a reason and they are sure to make up for his loss.
