Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Wednesday that right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to make the season-opening start against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan.
While Yamamoto’s role as the opening-day starter appears likely, Roberts indicated that further decisions regarding the pitching rotation are still under consideration. Although he acknowledged that Roki Sasaki will also pitch in Japan, Roberts refrained from officially naming him the Game 2 starter.
Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Yamamoto To Pitch In Japan, Sasaki Likely
The Dodgers are set to open their 2025 season with a historic two-game series in Japan against the Chicago Cubs.
Yamamoto’s selection as the opening-day starter is particularly fitting, given his Japanese heritage and the significance of this series for baseball fans in Japan. The matchup against Cubs’ star pitcher Shota Imanaga promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the exceptional talent of these two young Japanese pitchers on the world stage.
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During an appearance on MLB Network Wednesday morning, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted at the team’s plans for their upcoming series in Japan. He acknowledged that both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki are expected to pitch during the two-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
While Yamamoto is expected to make the season-opening start, Roberts clarified that a final decision regarding Sasaki’s role has not yet been made. While the possibility of Sasaki starting Game 2 remains, it’s equally possible that he may appear in relief during the series.
If Sasaki does indeed pitch in Japan, it will mark a significant moment in his career, as he will be making his highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut on the international stage.