Preparing for an Unusual Start to the Season
Baseball’s regular-season opener in Japan is a unique and exciting opportunity for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. The two teams will face off in two games at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19, marking an early start to the season—more than a week before the domestic schedule begins. This unusual schedule has led to a truncated spring training for both teams, but they have managed to navigate the shorter preparation period with relatively good health. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has emphasized the need to balance readiness for the Tokyo games with the requirement to be fully prepared for the domestic opener. "It’s two games and we’re not going to exhaust everything to get ready for two games," he said early in camp. "But also, we want to be ready and prepared to win two games in Tokyo while appreciating that when we come back, we’ll have time to get ready for the domestic opener."
Spotlight on Shohei Ohtani
All eyes are on Shohei Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, who is still recovering from offseason surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. The 30-year-old two-way star has looked impressive at the plate during Cactus League play, posting a .357 batting average in 14 at-bats, including a double and a homer. However, Ohtani will not pitch in Japan and has been focusing on his role as the designated hitter. Manager Dave Roberts believes that Ohtani could return to the mound in May, though he is intentionally vague about the timeline. "We want to make sure he’s fully healed and ready to go when he does step on the mound again," Roberts said. The Dodgers have named Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie Roki Sasaki as their starting pitchers for the games in Japan. Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander, has been dominant in spring training, striking out five over three scoreless innings in his first outing. Yamamoto will throw on Monday, and Sasaki on Tuesday in their final spring training starts.
Dodgers’ Key Players in Form
The Dodgers’ key players are showing promising form heading into the Japan games. First baseman Freddie Freeman has hit three home runs in the Cactus League, suggesting he has recovered well from offseason ankle surgery. Mookie Betts, transitioning to a full-time shortstop role, has also been solid. Both players are expected to be key contributors in Tokyo. The Dodgers will have a 31-man travel roster in Japan, which will be reduced to 26 for the two regular-season games. All 31 players will be available to play in exhibition games against Japanese teams on March 15 and 16. "We want to make sure everyone gets some playing time and stays sharp," Roberts said. "It’s important to maintain the right balance between rest and preparation."
Cubs’ Readiness and Key Pitchers
The Chicago Cubs are also close to full strength, with a few notable exceptions. Second baseman Nico Hoerner will remain in the U.S. as he continues to focus on being ready for the domestic opening day on March 27, following surgery on his right forearm in October. The Cubs plan to start Shota Imanaga in the opener and lefty Justin Steele in the second game. Imanaga has been sharp in spring training, throwing four scoreless innings against the Padres, allowing just two hits and striking out three. He will have one more outing in Arizona on Monday. Imanaga’s 2024 debut season in the MLB was excellent, with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA. "Shota has been fantastic," said manager Craig Counsell. "He’s been a pleasure to work with and has shown great command of his pitches."
Cubs’ Efforts and Player Preparation
Manager Craig Counsell noted that the Cubs’ players have shown a strong commitment to preparation. Many players came to spring training in late January, far before the official report date on February 9, to ensure they had normal preparation time before the trip to Japan. "It’s created some urgency for our players," Counsell told reporters on Friday. "Our pitching department did a fabulous job over the offseason in getting these guys ready." One thing to watch for the Cubs is the status of top prospect Matt Shaw, who is competing for the starting third baseman job. Shaw was slowed by oblique soreness early in camp but has played in four spring training games through Saturday. "We’re monitoring Matt closely," Counsell said. "He’s a talented young player, and we hope to see him make a strong contribution in Tokyo and throughout the season."
Balancing Act Ahead of the Tokyo Games
As the Dodgers and Cubs prepare for their unique opening series in Tokyo, both teams are focused on striking the right balance between readiness for the Japan games and long-term preparation for the domestic season. The challenges include managing a 15-hour time difference, long flights, and the pressures of a high-profile international series. Despite these challenges, both teams are optimistic and excited about the opportunity. "It’s a special experience for all of us, and we’re looking forward to representing our teams and the MLB in Japan," Roberts said. The eyes of the baseball world will be on Tokyo as the Dodgers and Cubs kick off the 2024 season in a historic and thrilling setting.
