Japanese Pitchers Shine in MLB as Dodgers and Cubs Prepare for Tokyo Series
Roki Sasaki, Shota Imanaga, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are leading a new wave of Japanese pitching talent, with Sasaki set to make his MLB debut in Japan.
- Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, impressed during spring training with seven scoreless innings and is set to debut in Game 2 of the Dodgers-Cubs series in Tokyo.
- Shota Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, brings a deceptive six-pitch repertoire and enters the season as the ace of the Cubs' rotation after an All-Star 2024 campaign.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, also with the Dodgers, overcame injuries last season to play a pivotal role in their World Series win and is slated to start Game 1 in Tokyo.
- Shohei Ohtani, recovering from Tommy John surgery, will focus on hitting at the start of the season, with plans to gradually return to pitching later in the year.
- The Dodgers and Cubs are beginning their MLB season with a unique two-game series in Japan, highlighting the global appeal of baseball and the prominence of Japanese talent in the league.