TOKYO – The thrill of Major League Baseball returns Tuesday night at the iconic Tokyo Dome, marking the season’s start as the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, take on the Chicago Cubs.
This matchup is part of a two-game series rich with excitement, as five Japanese players will take to the field. The Dodgers feature Shohei Ohtani, along with pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie Roki Sasaki. Meanwhile, the Cubs present outfielder Seiya Suzuki and left-arm pitcher Shota Imanaga.
Before this official bout, the teams warmed up by facing Japanese squads, the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants, in exhibition games, all of which drew capacity crowds nearing 42,000 attendees. A similar turnout and energy are anticipated for the MLB games.
“There’s a noticeable buzz about the series,” stated Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “It feels bigger here than in America. So many people are talking about it—it’s fantastic. Our players thrive on playing in significant events.”
**Intriguing Facts About the MLB Opening:**
Japanese Pitching Showdown:
The opening game is historic, highlighting the first all-Japanese pitcher duel on MLB’s opening day. Dodgers’ Yamamoto will go head-to-head with Imanaga of the Cubs. Heading into his second season with the Dodgers, Yamamoto holds an impressive 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA from last year, playing a pivotal role in the team’s World Series triumph. Cubs’ Imanaga shone last season as an All-Star, completing with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA.
Wednesday night will see the Dodgers’ Sasaki taking the mound in the follow-up game.
**A Rise of New Cubs Talent:**
Eyes will be on Matt Shaw, the promising third baseman expected to make his MLB debut. Shaw is highly regarded within the team, having been the 13th overall pick in the 2020 draft after showcasing his skills at Maryland. Splitting last season between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .284 with 21 home runs and 71 RBIs.
The Cubs’ roster also features young talents like third-year outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and rookie second baseman Gage Workman, both prepared to make their mark in Tokyo.
**Mookie Betts Sidelined:**
Dodgers’ shortstop Mookie Betts will miss the Tokyo outings due to an illness that has persisted for a week. As Betts attempts to recover, having lost around 15 pounds, manager Dave Roberts noted his condition is improving. Betts might return to the U.S. early to recuperate for the domestic opening. Filling in at shortstop will be Miguel Rojas.
**Game Time Alert for U.S. Fans:**
For U.S.-based fans committed to catching the Tokyo games live, preparation is key. Set your alarms, as both games kick off at 7:10 p.m. Tokyo time, translating to an early 6:10 a.m. start in the Eastern Time Zone. Chicago supporters should rise by 5:10 a.m., whereas Dodger fans will greet the day at 3:10 a.m. Broadcasts will air nationwide on Fox.
**Tokyo Series Legacy:**
This event commemorates the 25th anniversary of MLB’s first regular-season games held in Japan, when the New York Mets faced the Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in 2000. Since then, MLB returned in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2019, the latter featuring the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners during Ichiro Suzuki’s farewell games. Suzuki is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer.
These games mark the 10th occasion MLB has staged regular-season matchups outside the U.S., with previous destinations including Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and a recent series in South Korea.
