TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will hold an open practice session at Tokyo Dome (東京巨蛋) on Friday (March 14), with over 10,000 fans gathered to witness the event ahead of the highly anticipated overseas opening games scheduled for March 18 and 19. Tickets for these games have already sold out, underscoring the enthusiasm surrounding the matchups.
The Dodgers' formidable trio of Japanese pitchers — Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (山本由伸), and Rōki Sasaki (佐佐木朗希) — will make history by starting the first two games, marking the first time both starting pitchers in an opening series are Japanese. Sasaki excelled in the Dodgers' final spring training game, allowing just one hit in four innings and leading the team to a 10-4 victory against the Cleveland Guardians. Sasaki expressed his excitement, stating, "I'm very happy to be able to pitch in Japan as part of the MLB. I've been practicing hard and am very excited."
The Cubs' Japanese players, Shota Imanaga (今永昇太) and Mac Suzuki (鈴木誠) will also return home, adding more intrigue to the games. The Cubs arrived at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (羽田機場) on March 12, with a 40-meter barrier walkway set up to protect the team. The Dodgers arrived on Friday, with fans eagerly anticipating the MLB showdown featuring Japanese talent on home soil.
