MLB Season Opens in Tokyo as Dodgers Face Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers, favored to repeat as World Series champions, faced off against the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series, marking the beginning of the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The two-game series took place at the Tokyo Dome.
Last year, the Dodgers won the National League West for the 11th time in 12 years before defeating the New York Yankees in the World Series.Their sights are set on becoming the first team since the Yankees (1998-2000) to win back-to-back championships.
The Cubs, who haven’t won a postseason game since 2017 and last reached the playoffs in the 2020 season shortened by COVID-19, are division favorites after acquiring key players like outfielder Kyle Tucker.
The Tokyo Dome hosted the MLB season opener for the sixth time. the last time MLB opened in Japan was in 2019, when Ichiro Suzuki played his final games for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics.
Ohtani,Yamamoto Headline Series Featuring japanese stars
The Dodgers arrived in Japan with three Japanese stars,including Shohei ohtani,a three-time MVP winner.The first game featured a pitching matchup between Japanese natives Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) and shota Imanaga (Cubs). the second game was slated to feature Roki Sasaki making his debut for Los Angeles, while Justin Steele was scheduled to start for Chicago.
Both teams featured Japanese players in key offensive roles,with Ohtani batting for the Dodgers and Seiya Suzuki for the Cubs. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also has Japanese heritage.
Teams Prepare for Regular Season After Tokyo Opener
Ohtani, despite recovering from tommy John surgery, is expected to return to pitching in May. His dual-threat ability makes him one of baseball’s premier players.
The Cubs previously opened the season in Tokyo against the New York Mets in 2000. In 2023, they played a two-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals in London.
This is the Dodgers’ first time playing regular season games in Japan, but marks their fourth international series. They have a record of 4-2 in games played outside the United States and Canada, while the Cubs are 2-2. Prior to the series, both teams split exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers.
Mookie Betts, dealing with a virus, did not participate in the exhibition games, casting doubt on his availability for the opening game.
Following the Tokyo Series, both teams will head back to Arizona for spring training before the regular season begins in the United States. The Dodgers host the Detroit Tigers on March 27, while the Cubs visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.
the Cubs and Dodgers will meet again for a series in Los Angeles in April, followed by two games in Chicago later the same month.
**Besides Shohei Ohtani, which Japanese player on either team has the potential to significantly impact the outcome of the Tokyo Series?**
MLB Season Opens in tokyo as Dodgers Face Cubs: Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of the MLB season opener in Tokyo, answering your burning questions:
Q&A
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What’s the significance of the Tokyo Series?
The Tokyo Series, featuring the Dodgers and Cubs, kicks off the 2025 MLB season. Its a chance to bring baseball to an international audience and a tradition that has happened six times before.
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Why are the Dodgers considered favorites?
The Dodgers are favored as they won the World Series the previous season and have a history of success, including winning the National League West 11 times in the last 12 years. They are aiming to be the first team to win back-to-back World Series championships as the New York Yankees (1998-2000).
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How are the cubs shaping up this season?
The Cubs are division favorites after acquiring key players like outfielder Kyle Tucker. They’re looking to return to the playoffs after a drought.
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Who are the key Japanese players to watch?
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers), Shota Imanaga (cubs), and Seiya Suzuki (Cubs) are the Japanese stars drawing attention. Ohtani, despite recovering from Tommy John surgery, will eventually return to his dual role as a pitcher and hitter.
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What’s the Dodgers’ and Cubs’ international series record?
The Dodgers are 4-2 in international games, while the Cubs are 2-2. This Tokyo series marks the Dodgers’ first time playing regular season games in Japan.
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What’s next for these teams after the Tokyo series?
Both teams will head back to Arizona for spring training. The Dodgers will host the Detroit Tigers on March 27, and the Cubs visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Will Mookie Betts play?
Mookie Betts was dealing with a virus and his availability for the opening game was in doubt.
Ready for the 2025 MLB season? Keep an eye on these teams and the exciting storylines unfolding in tokyo and beyond!
