The Los Angeles Dodgers travel roster for Japan included 16 pitchers among the permitted 31 players, but did not feature the team’s entire starting rotation.
Dustin May, who was named the Dodgers’ fifth starter, stayed behind at Camelback Ranch to keep on his routine in preparation for domestic Opening Day at the end of the month.
Given that the Dodgers are only scheduled to play four games at the Tokyo Dome, they were able to carry extra relief pitchers on their travel roster. That same sentiment will apply for the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster in the Tokyo Series.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto had long been identified as the starter for the first game against the Chicago Cubs, who are countering with Shota Imanaga.
Roki Sasaki met expectations of being selected to start a Tokyo Series game as well, and he’ll be opposed by Justin Steele.
As for the exhibition games, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated those would be pitched by Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell in some order. When asked for details during the Dodgers’ first press conference inside the Tokyo Dome Hotel, Roberts revealed the two All-Stars will pitch in the same game.
Dodgers pitchers for Japan games
Exhibition @ Yomiuri Giants
Roberts said the Dodgers have not yet decided on a starter but will utilize a bullpen game against the hometown Yomiuri Giants.
Exhibition @ Hanshin Tigers
After relying on their stable of relief pitchers, the Dodgers plan to have Snell start in the second exhibition game. Glasnow will then enter out of the bullpen in a piggyback scenario.
Glasnow is expected to start during the exhibition Freeway Series, and Snell is the favorite for the Dodger Stadium opener on March 27.
Opening Day of Tokyo Series
Yamamoto is scheduled to make his first career Opening Day start and combine with Imanaga for MLB history as Japanese natives starting a season opener.
March 19: final game in Japan
Like Yamamoto, Sasaki is going to get an opportunity to pitch in his home country by taking the ball in the finale against the Cubs.
Is Shohei Ohtani pitching during Dodgers’ Japan games?
Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in any of the four games the Dodgers play at the Tokyo Dome. His progression was paused during Spring Training and Ohtani is not expected to join the Dodgers’ until May at the earliest.
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