The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their spring training with a nod to their past as the reigning World Series champions, although they faced a setback with a 12-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. New pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto showcased promise, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings and impressing manager Dave Roberts with his improved communication and preparation after a successful first year.

Mookie Betts returned to shortstop, determined to silence critics after a tumultuous previous season. Meanwhile, rookie Hyeseong Kim debuted, and Eddie Rosario marked the score with a two-run homer. However, the day was marred by concerns for pitcher Bobby Miller, who suffered a head injury yet managed to leave the field with a joke.

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2025 season with a nod to their 2024 championship legacy, despite a rough start against the Chicago Cubs. The team is integrating new players, with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto showing promise, throwing 1 ⅔ innings of scoreless ball. Mookie Betts returned to shortstop and fielded well, while new addition Hyeseong Kim made an impression. An injury scare struck when pitcher Bobby Miller was hit in the head but fortunately walked off unscathed.

Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is working on his pitching mechanics following surgeries and hopes to return to full form soon. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of communication and team cohesion as they strive for a repeat championship.

The Chicago Cubs are set to make history as Shota Imanaga takes the mound as the starting pitcher against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 in Tokyo. This matchup marks the first time two Japan-born pitchers will face each other in a Major League Baseball regular season game on home soil, with Imanaga's impressive rookie season of 15-3 and a 2.91 ERA setting the stage for a thrilling encounter against Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who recently inked a record 10-year, $325 million deal.

Both pitchers have made significant impacts in their debut seasons; while Imanaga struck out 174 batters in over 173 innings, Yamamoto, who faced an injury setback but still finished with a 3.00 ERA, has been a focal point for the Dodgers since his high-profile signing. The excitement surrounding this historic matchup is anticipated to spark increased interest in baseball, particularly among Japanese fans, as Cubs President Jed Hoyer expressed excitement about the global viewership that Imanaga and Yamamoto will attract.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to make a significant mark in the upcoming MLB season as he prepares to start as the opening day pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Despite a rocky debut last year and a midseason shoulder injury, Yamamoto bounced back to finish strong, boasting a 3.00 ERA in the regular season and a pivotal role in the playoffs. His remarkable journey in the league is underscored by a lucrative $325 million contract with the Dodgers and serves as a testament to his growth and resilience.

Yamamoto's impressive performance in the postseason, including a stellar game in the World Series against the New York Yankees, has built the manager's trust in him as a leading pitcher in the Dodgers' new-look rotation. This year, he aims to maintain healthy consistency and contribute significantly to the team's success, with aspirations of championship glory once again.

Roki Sasaki's debut bullpen session with the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased his immense talent despite some nerves. The 23-year-old right-hander threw 35 pitches, displaying an array of powerful fastballs and a unique splitter. Although he expressed uncertainty about his performance, manager Dave Roberts noted Sasaki's potential impact once acclimated to MLB.

His signing with the Dodgers included a $6.5 million bonus, marking a significant leap from his previous team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. With injuries in his recent seasons, the Dodgers plan a cautious approach during spring training, but both Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are helping him transition smoothly. Sasaki aims to perform well in the upcoming season, especially in the March 19 game against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo.