Major League Baseball is hosting its first-ever Tokyo Series, a pair of games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome, marking the beginning of the 2025 MLB season. The series features a mix of Japanese stars, including Shohei Ohtani, who will not be pitching due to ongoing rehab from elbow and shoulder surgeries.
Why is this series happening? MLB aims to expand its global reach, having already played regular-season series in Puerto Rico, Mexico, England, the Dominican Republic, and South Korea. Japan represents a significant frontier for baseball, with many top players hailing from the country, including Ohtani, who has become an international superstar.
In Tokyo, the Dodgers will be showcasing two Japanese imports, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, while the Cubs will feature their best arms, Imanaga and Justin Steele. The Cubs also have new faces on their roster, including Kyle Tucker, acquired from the Houston Astros, and infielder Justin Turner.
The series is an opportunity for MLB to promote baseball globally, showcasing its talent and excitement to a broader audience. While some players, like Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin, will not be participating due to injuries, others, such as Mookie Betts, are taking time off due to health concerns.
Ohtani’s status remains uncertain, with his rehab timeline pushed back due to ongoing elbow and shoulder surgeries. Despite this, he appears to be back in form at the plate, homering in his first exhibition game. The Tokyo Series will provide an exciting start to the 2025 MLB season, featuring some of baseball’s brightest stars.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/tokyo-series-preview-everything-you-need-to-know-before-the-dodgers-and-cubs-begin-the-2025-mlb-season-in-japan-213154393.html