GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto in their season opener against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18. Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki may potentially make his major league debut the following day.
These two talented Japanese pitchers, along with two-way ace Shohei Ohtani, are set to be the focal point for fans in Japan during this two-game series. The Cubs also have Japanese talent in their lineup, including Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, adding to the international flavor of the matchup.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence on Wednesday, stating, “I think it’s fair to say that Yamamoto will pitch that first one.” He also mentioned that they plan for Sasaki to take the mound, but specifics on timing will depend on how well he performs during spring training.
Roberts noted the possibility of Sasaki participating in one of the Dodgers’ exhibition games in Tokyo prior to the regular season opener. “Everything’s on the table, but I think it’s fair to say it would be to pitch in the second game of the season,” he remarked, emphasizing that if arrangements don’t align perfectly, alternatives will be considered.
Sasaki, a promising 23-year-old right-hander whose fastball can exceed 100 mph, recently had a bullpen session attended by several coaching staff members. Last season, he posted a record of 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA over 18 appearances with the Chiba Lotte Mariners in Japan’s Pacific League, boasting 129 strikeouts across 111 innings despite battling shoulder inflammation.
“We want to make sure he’s in a good position and feels good when he pitches,” stated Roberts, underscoring the focus on player wellbeing as they navigate spring training. “I don’t want to put him in a box right now.”
Yamamoto, at 26 years old, also made his mark last year, going 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts, marking a successful debut season in the majors.
