The Tokyo 2025 MLB series between the Cubs of Chicago and the Los Angeles Dodgers could present some native sons taking the mound during the two games.
The left -handed launcher of the Cubs Shota Imanaga and the starters of the Dodgers Rōki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto should all start when the teams go to Japan next month and open the season with a pair of games March 18 and 19.
“Shota will launch in Japan,” said Cubs Manager Craig Counsell this week. “I think it’s mandated, in a way. I don’t think I have the choice, in fact.”
The 31-year-old imanaga, made 29 departures in 2024, displaying an MPM of 2.92, 1.02 whip and .225 ABITRO-BOTTLE with the stick. He finished the season with a 15-3 file.
While Shohei Ohtani should play, he did not put the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, said this month does not expect The triple MLB MVP to return to the mound until May. Ohtani underwent an attellement operation on his torn UCL at the end of the 2023 season and spent the 2024 season as a full -time DH. He initially had to be ready to pitch before the day of opening 2025, but this calendar was complicated when He tore the Labrum in his shoulder not passing in match 2 of the World SeriesAn injury that required another surgery.
However, Sasaki and Yamamoto are in the plans of the dodgers to appear on the mound during the trip to Japan.
“The wait for these two guys to present is real. But you never know, ”said Roberts on The “hot stove” of the MLB network Wednesday. “Things can certainly change. But at the beginning, it is our anticipation. »»
Roberts told journalists that he was “fair to say” that Yamamoto will start against Cubs, while Sasaki could rather launch in one of the team’s exhibition games before the Tokyo series.
It would be the second consecutive international departure from Yamamoto with the Dodgers after having made its debut at the MLB against the San Diego Padres in the Seoul series last season in South Korea. Three months after signing a Trans agreement over 12 years and $ 325 millionYamamoto was drawn after a round; He only lasted 43 throws and granted five points in four strokes.
Sasaki, 23 years old, accepted an agreement With the Dodgers in January, with a signature bonus worth $ 6.5 million. He launched for Japan Chiba Lotte Marines in 2024, displaying an MPM of 2.35 and 1.04 Whip and recorded 129 sticks in the stick in 111 sleeves launched.
Before meeting the Dodgers, the Cubs will face the Giants of Tokyo on March 16. The Dodgers will also face the Giants, as well as the Hanshin Tigers, before playing Cubs.