big congratulation::: Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki are the likely starting pitchers when the Dodgers open regular season in Tokyo next month….

As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to commence their regular season in Tokyo next month, they are expected to feature Japanese pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki as their starting pitchers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated that both pitchers are anticipated to start in the season openers in Tokyo. citeturn0search2

Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season, made a significant impact in his debut year. Despite a shoulder injury that sidelined him for part of the season, he returned in September and delivered impressive performances during the postseason. His successful transition to Major League Baseball has set a positive precedent for Japanese players moving to the U.S. citeturn0search11

Sasaki, a 23-year-old phenom renowned for his exceptional fastball and splitter, recently signed with the Dodgers. Over four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, he achieved a remarkable 2.10 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 505 strikeouts over 394.2 innings. His decision to join the Dodgers was significantly influenced by Yamamoto, who played a key role in recruiting him to the team. citeturn0search9

The Dodgers’ rotation for the 2025 season is shaping up to be formidable, with the inclusion of Sasaki alongside other notable pitchers such as Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. This depth provides the team with multiple options for starting pitchers in the Tokyo games. Given the familiarity of both Yamamoto and Sasaki with Japanese baseball culture and the significance of opening the season in Tokyo, their selection as starters would resonate with local fans and highlight the Dodgers’ strong ties to Japanese talent. citeturn0search11

The Dodgers’ strategy to feature Yamamoto and Sasaki in the Tokyo openers underscores their commitment to leveraging their international talent and acknowledges the growing influence of Japanese players in Major League Baseball. This approach not only strengthens the team’s competitive edge but also enhances their global appeal, particularly in Japan, where baseball enjoys immense popularity.

As the season approaches, anticipation builds around how these pitchers will perform on such a prominent stage. Their participation in the Tokyo games is expected to draw significant attention from both Japanese and international audiences, further solidifying the Dodgers’ position as a globally recognized franchise.