The 2025 MLB season kicks off today with an exciting match-up between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. This two-game series is not only a thrilling start to the regular season but also a homecoming for five players who have ties to Japan. The defending World Series champions, the Dodgers, boast three Japanese-born players, including the current National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, while the Cubs have two players with Japanese roots.
Historic Pitching Matchup and Game Schedule
The first game will feature a historic pitching matchup between Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga of the Cubs. This marks the first time two Japanese pitchers will face off on Opening Day, adding an extra layer of excitement to the series. Due to the time difference, the games will air in the early morning hours in the United States but will be broadcast live in Japan.
The Tokyo Series schedule is as follows:
– Game 1: Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 a.m. ET (7:00 p.m. in Japan) – airing on Fox
– Game 2: Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00 a.m. ET (7:00 p.m. in Japan) – airing on Fox Sports 1 (FS1)
How to Watch and Stream
For fans looking to catch the action, there are several ways to watch the Dodgers and Cubs in the MLB Tokyo Series for free. One option is to sign up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, which includes both Fox and FS1. Another streaming option is DIRECTV Stream, which offers a free trial before the monthly subscription kicks in.
Dodgers-Cubs Tokyo Series Game 1 Lineups and Pitching Matchup
In the first game of the series, Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound against Cubs’ Shota Imanaga. Yamamoto had an impressive 2024 season with a 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA, while Imanaga posted a 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA. The pitching duel promises to be a highlight of the series.
The probable lineups for Game 1 are as follows:
Los Angeles Dodgers:
– Shohei Ohtani, DH
– Tommy Edman, 2B
– Freddie Freeman, 1B
– Teoscar Hernández, RF
– Max Muncy, 3B
– Will Smith, C
– Michael Conforto, LF
– Miguel Rojas, SS
– Andy Pages, CF
Chicago Cubs:
– Ian Happ, LF
– Kyle Tucker, RF
– Seiya Suzuki, DH
– Michael Busch, 1B
– Dansby Swanson, SS
– Matt Shaw, 3B
– Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
– Miguel Amaya, C
– Jon Berti, 2B
As the 2025 MLB season kicks off with this exciting Tokyo Series, fans are in for a treat as they witness a unique matchup between two powerhouse teams on an international stage. Stay tuned for more thrilling baseball action and memorable moments as the season unfolds, starting with this historic series in Japan.
