Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he anticipates that Japanese starters Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki will both pitch when the team opens the season in Japan. Roberts, who was interviewed on MLB Network, said, “The expectation is for both those guys to pitch…” He added that Yamamoto will likely pitch the season opener.
Dave Roberts added more context to this just now
He said it’s fair to expect Yoshinobu Yamamoto to pitch the regular season opener in Japan. Roki Sasaki could start the second game, but they want to see how he progresses through his first MLB spring before making that decision https://t.co/8Hs66wPq5A
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 12, 2025
Two Japanese Dodgers Starters to Kick Off Season in Japan
The Particulars
The Dodgers’ quest to repeat as World Series champions begins early on March 18 with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. As such, the starters will not be built up enough to go long in the game. Roberts added they “will use a lot of different arms.” He explained that the position players will be ready.
Second Time’s A Charm?
This is the second time Los Angeles will open the season in an international market. Last season, they played the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. Roberts said that having that experience “helps us understand the timing, the rhythm, what it entails.” He added that the team is excited that spring training in the desert is only four weeks long. Apart from the games themselves, Roberts is excited for the players to see the Japanese culture.
A Cautionary Note
Today is the first day of pitchers and catchers for the Dodgers. Roberts said although they anticipate Yamamoto and Sasaki to pitch in Japan, “You just never know. Anything can happen,” He quickly reiterated, “That’s our anticipation…”
One Other Note…
Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips will not be ready for Opening Day. He had a tear in his rotator cuff during the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets last season, which kept him out of the World Series. He has since received a PRP injection but did not pick up a baseball in January. Phillips had 18 saves for the Dodgers in 2024.
When Los Angeles does open the season, they hope that it begins just as auspiciously as the last ended.
