Tokyo Series → for the first time in history by Dodgers vs Cubs! Yamamoto vs. Imana

Feb 19, 2025

Feb 10, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) runs through drills during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Feb 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) looks on during a Spring Training workout at Camelback Ranch Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

It is expected to be a complete Japanese festival as Japanese starting pitchers face off in the Major League 'Tokyo Series'. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Chicago Cubs announced Shota Imana as the starting pitcher.

The Dodgers and Cubs will play the opening game of the 2025 Major League season with 'Tokyo Series' at Tokyo Dome in Japan on March 18 and 19. Last year, the San Diego Padres and Dodgers held the opening game of the Seoul Series at Gocheok Dome. It is part of Major League Baseball's globalization policy. In addition to Korea and Japan, Major League Baseball also played in the U.K., Australia, and Mexico.

In particular, this Tokyo series has become a perfect 'Japanese Grand Festival'. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he would send Yamamoto and Sasaki to the series early on. In both the first and second games, he vowed to use Japanese pitchers as starters, raising expectations. Cubs manager Craig Counsell was somewhat hesitant when he heard the news. According to sports media 'The Athletic' on the 14th, Counsell said "Imana will play in one of the two games. I think this is an obligation. In fact, we have no choice."

The Cubs officially announced on the 19th that the starting pitcher for the opening game is Imana. The Japanese media 'Full Count' is the first time a Japanese pitcher has taken the mound as a starter in the opening game in Japan since Daisuke Matsuzaka (then Boston Red Sox) in 2008. It also said that the first Japanese opening match in Major League history was held.

In the Cubs, Imanaga and Japanese leading hitter Seiya Suzuki are active. The Dodgers have all the first to third starters for the Japanese national team, including Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto and Sasaki.

Yamamoto and Imanaga both made their major league debuts last season.

시카고컵스 SNS

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, of Japan, throws during a pitching session at the Dodgers baseball spring training facility, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million (about 468.5 billion won) mega contract with the Dodgers. Yamamoto started 18 games and went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA. In the postseason, he also played his part with two wins and no losses in four games with a 3.86 ERA. In particular, he left a deep impression by pitching one run in six ⅓ innings as a starter in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees.

Left-hander Imana signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs ahead of the 2024 season. Imanaga pitched very well with a 15-3 record and 2.91 ERA, taking responsibility for 173 ⅓ innings in 29 starts. When the lid was opened, the Cubs caught Imana very cheaply. Imana was recognized for her performance by ranking fourth in the Rookie of the Year vote and fifth in the Cy Young Award vote.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.

Tokyo Series → for the first time in history by Dodgers vs Cubs! Yamamoto vs. Imana

Sports