The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed their starting pitchers for the highly anticipated Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs. As reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki will take the mound for games 1 and 2, respectively, at the Tokyo Dome on March 18th and 19th.
Los Angeles Dodgers Announce Starting Pitchers For Tokyo Series
This series marks a homecoming for Yamamoto, Sasaki, and Shohei Ohtani, all of whom will return to Japan to compete in front of their native fans. For Sasaki, in particular, it signifies his first official MLB start, potentially providing a sense of familiarity amidst the transition to the major leagues. The 23-year-old, considered a top prospect, has been impressive in spring training. In his second Cactus League appearance, he pitched four shutout innings on just 41 pitches, despite issuing two walks, striking out two, and allowing one hit.
“There were a few things that didn’t go the way I wanted today. I sort of reverted to some bad habits,” Sasaki said through an interpreter, per the LA Times. “But to have those come out in a game before opening day so that I can adjust them in time is a good thing.” Following his outing, Sasaki also participated in a brief bullpen session.
Yamamoto, now in his second year in the United States, and Sasaki, a rookie in 2025, have both expressed their excitement about returning to Japan. “Obviously, all the Japanese fans must be really excited to have us back in our native country,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter, per MLB.com. “What we can do for them is get ourselves ready as much as possible and perform the best over there for them.”
Sasaki echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique opportunity to pitch in his home country while fulfilling his major league dream. “To be able to pitch in Japan is going to be a really special and unique opportunity,” he said. “Obviously being able to pitch in the major leagues is something that I worked for a long time to be able to do. I’m really excited.”
In addition to the two regular-season games, the Dodgers will also play exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 15th.