With the Tokyo Series just over two weeks away, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has already revealed Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get the start against the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day.
Roki Sasaki was also considered the likely candidate to pitch in the second game if the team felt comfortable enough sending their rookie to the mound.
The right-hander would be a natural choice as he is considered one of the greatest pitchers to come out of Japan. Sasaki began his professional career in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he spent four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports, the Dodgers still have not decided who will pitch for them in the finale of the Tokyo Series:
Dave Roberts said #Dodgers haven’t decided who will start second game of the season in Tokyo.
Roberts added “It’s Unlikely” the pitchers that start those two games in Tokyo would start the home opener.
Yamamoto still is the Opening Day starter vs #Cubs Shota Imanaga
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 1, 2025
Sasaki made his Spring Training debut last week in a hybrid ‘B’ game against Chicago White Sox Minor Leaguers and allowed a leadoff home run over three innings of work.
Sasaki is now scheduled to pitch in his first Cactus League game out of the bullpen on Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds.
If Sasaki doesn’t get the nod to face the Cubs, he could still potentially start in one of the Dodgers’ exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers.
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow were seemingly tabbed for those starts, but it is possible that one of them gets bumped up to face the Cubs.
Roberts previously indicated Sasaki was a likely choice to start in the Tokyo Series, but cautioned how things unfolded in Spring Training could cause the Dodgers to pivot.
Roki Sasaki hopeful for ‘special’ moment in Tokyo
The upcoming Tokyo Series represents the sixth time MLB will open its season in Japan and first since 2019. It additionally marks the 25th anniversary of the first-ever regular season games played in Japan between the Cubs and the New York Mets.
Sasaki has said he is hoping to have a memorable moment in the Tokyo Series.
If the Dodgers don’t have Sasaki face the Cubs, it’s possible — perhaps even likely — he still pitches in one of the exhibition games at the Tokyo Dome.
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