GLENDALE, Ariz. — As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs gear up for the Major League Baseball regular-season kickoff in Japan, excitement builds around two standout performers: Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga for the Cubs. With less than 10 days to go before the first pitch at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19, preparations are well underway amidst an adjusted spring training schedule.
These early international games precede the domestic season, prompting both teams to accelerate their spring training routines. Nevertheless, the Dodgers and Cubs continue managing the condensed timeline while prioritizing player health amidst the whirlwind of trans-Pacific travel and a significant 15-hour time difference.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the balance between competitive preparation and broader season readiness. “It’s two games, and we’re not going to exhaust everything to get ready for two games,” Roberts remarked earlier in the camp. “But also, we want to be ready and prepared to win two games in Tokyo while appreciating that when we come back, we’ll have time to get ready for the domestic opener.”
Ohtani, who is currently recovering from off-season surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, remains a focal point. His performance at the plate has been impressive with a .357 average in 14 at-bats, including a double and a home run. However, Ohtani will not pitch in Japan and is focusing on his role as a designated hitter. Roberts hinted that his return to pitching could happen in May, although he left the exact timeline ambiguous.
In Japan, the Dodgers will rely on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie Roki Sasaki as the starting pitchers. Sasaki, just 23, displayed dominance in his spring debut, notching five strikeouts over three scoreless innings. Yamamoto and Sasaki are set for their final spring training starts early next week.
Other players making strides include Freddie Freeman, who has smashed three homers in Cactus League play, showing resilience following ankle surgery in the offseason. Mookie Betts has made a seamless move to his full-time role as a shortstop.
Traveling with a 31-man roster in Japan, both the Dodgers and Cubs will choose 26 players each for the regular-season games. However, all 31 can participate in exhibition matches against Japanese teams shortly before the main events.
The Cubs are nearly at full strength but will leave second baseman Nico Hoerner stateside as he recovers from surgery on his right forearm. He is focusing on being ready for the U.S. season opener on March 27.
Imanaga, whose impressive 2024 MLB debut concluded with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA, will start in Tokyo’s opener. His latest spring training performance was strong, with four scoreless innings against the Padres, allowing just two hits.
Manager Craig Counsell noted the team’s proactive approach to Japan, with many players arriving for training well ahead of schedule to acclimate properly. “It’s created some urgency for our players,” Counsell commented, commending the efforts in preparing the pitching staff.
The Cubs will have another eye on prospect Matt Shaw as he vies for the third baseman position. Despite an early-camp oblique issue, Shaw has participated in four spring games.
