The MLB season has kicked off with a bang. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs faced off in the season-opening Tokyo Series. The Dodgers emerged victorious in both games, giving them a strong start in their title defense. However, the series raised several questions about both teams’ futures.
Particularly, the debut of Roki Sasaki, the health of key Dodgers players, and the Cubs’ lineup performance are under scrutiny. Let’s dive into the six big questions that have emerged from the Tokyo Series.
Roki Sasaki’s Promising Yet Shaky Debut
Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old phenom, made his highly anticipated MLB debut for the Dodgers. While his raw talent was evident, his command issues were equally noticeable. Sasaki’s heater was humming, and his splitter was dancing, making him virtually unhittable. However, he struggled with control, throwing only 25 of his 56 pitches for strikes. This lack of command led to five walks in just three innings, forcing manager Dave Roberts to pull him early.
Reasons for Optimism
Despite his shaky debut, there are reasons to be optimistic about Sasaki’s future. Firstly, his career in Japan showed solid control, with a 7.1% walk rate in 2024 and a 5.7% mark over his four-year NPB tenure. Secondly, there are precedents of pitchers succeeding despite high walk rates. For example, Luis Gil won the AL Rookie of the Year award with the highest walk rate among MLB pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched. If Sasaki can harness his stuff and reduce his walks, he could become a reliable rotation option.
Dodgers’ Health Concerns
One of the most significant concerns for the Dodgers is the health of their star players, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Both players missed the Tokyo Series due to health issues. Betts contracted an illness that caused him to lose 15 pounds, while Freeman was scratched due to rib discomfort, an injury he played through during the 2024 postseason.
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Impact on the Team
These absences highlight the Dodgers’ vulnerability due to the age of their position players. With Tommy Edman turning 30 in May, the Dodgers will regularly field lineups composed of players in their 30s. While experience is valuable, older players are more prone to injuries, which could derail the Dodgers’ season if not managed carefully.
Financial and Logistical Implications of the Tokyo Series
The Tokyo Series was a financial success. Over 25 million people in Japan tuned in for Game 1, setting a record for the most-watched MLB game in the country. Shohei Ohtani’s popularity has made the Dodgers the most popular team in Japan, strengthening the relationship between MLB and Japanese fans.
Challenges of an Annual Tokyo Series
While the financial benefits are significant, the logistical challenges of starting every season in Japan could become burdensome. Finding new teams willing to make the trip and ensuring the novelty doesn’t wear off for players and fans alike are potential hurdles MLB will need to address.
Cubs’ Offensive Struggles
The Cubs’ offense had a lackluster start to the season, scoring just four runs on 11 hits in the two Tokyo games. Star Japanese slugger Seiya Suzuki went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts, a disappointing performance given the circumstances. Rookie third baseman Matt Shaw also struggled at the plate, though he showed promise with his glove.
Lineup Adjustments
Manager Craig Counsell used various lineups in his first year as the Cubs’ skipper. It will be interesting to see if he settles on a more consistent order in 2025. The absence of second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery, also impacted the lineup. High hopes rest on Shaw’s ability to find his groove and contribute to the Cubs’ offense.
Yamamoto’s Cy Young Potential
Dodgers’ right-hander Yamamoto had an impressive first season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 90 innings across 18 starts. His 28.5% strikeout rate was 12th among pitchers with a similar workload. If not for a rough debut start, his ERA would have been even better.
Challenges to Winning the Cy Young
Despite his talent, Yamamoto faces challenges in winning the Cy Young award. He needs to work deeper into games and surpass the 150-inning mark to be a serious contender. The Dodgers are likely to manage his workload carefully to keep him healthy for the postseason, which could limit his chances of winning the award.
Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Journey
Shohei Ohtani was a standout performer for the Dodgers in the Tokyo Series, contributing both at the plate and on the field. However, his journey to return as a two-way player is still unfolding. Ohtani’s pitching rehab has been slower than expected, and he has yet to face hitters as part of his recovery.
Timeline for Return
Manager Dave Roberts had initially suggested that Ohtani might return to pitching duties by May. However, this timeline seems optimistic given his current progress.
Ohtani has prioritized his hitting to start the season. His ability to balance both roles will be a key storyline to watch as the season progresses.
In conclusion, the Tokyo Series has set the stage for an exciting MLB season with plenty of storylines to follow. From Roki Sasaki’s development and the Dodgers’ health concerns to the Cubs’ lineup adjustments and Ohtani’s two-way journey, there is no shortage of intrigue. For more in-depth coverage and updates, visit the full article on Yahoo Sports.
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