The Los Angeles Dodgers began their 2025 season with a familiar pattern, much like their successful 2024 campaign: patient at-bats against the starting pitcher, a decisive fifth-inning rally, and dominant pitching. They now aim to replicate this success in the second game of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday morning.
Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie Roki Sasaki Top Story For Tokyo Series Game 2
The primary focus of this game will be the highly anticipated MLB debut of Roki Sasaki. Having pitched extensively at the Tokyo Dome during his time with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball, Sasaki will make his first start for the Dodgers in front of his home country fans. His track record with the Marines, boasting a 2.02 ERA and a low hits-per-nine-innings average, sets high expectations for his performance.
Roki Sasaki is set to start the second game of the season, a significant moment made even more special by its location: his home country of Japan. “I can’t believe that my dream came true at the Tokyo Dome, it’s like a miracle,” Sasaki expressed to reporters in Tokyo on Sunday.
His preparation for this moment included two appearances in Cactus League play, where he delivered seven scoreless innings and recorded seven strikeouts. Notably, his split-fingered pitch showcased remarkable movement, further heightening anticipation for his MLB debut.
Another key storyline revolves around Freddie Freeman’s potential return to the Dodgers’ lineup. Freeman was a late scratch from the opening game due to rib soreness. Following the game, he indicated that this was his first experience with discomfort this season, attributing it to an increased workload at the plate.
Manager Dave Roberts clarified that Freeman is experiencing discomfort in the same rib cartilage that he tore during last year’s postseason. Roberts expressed confidence that the injury is not severe and conveyed minimal concern at this time. However, if Freeman misses Wednesday’s game, the team may opt for an MRI upon their return to Los Angeles.