The Chicago Cubs started their 2025 MLB season with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo, where they lost the opener 4-1. Pitcher Shōta Imanaga delivered four hitless innings but struggled with control, while newly acquired Kyle Tucker went hitless in his Cubs debut. The game also featured standout performances from Japanese players, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Cubs made offseason coaching staff changes, promoting Dustin Kelly to hitting coach. In the next game, Justin Steele will start for the Cubs against Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki. The Cubs aim to improve as the season progresses.
Tokyo Series Opener: Cubs vs. Dodgers
The Cubs began their season with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. In the opening game, the Cubs suffered a 4-1 loss. Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga started for the Cubs and delivered four hitless innings but struggled with control, issuing four walks. He was exempt after 69 pitches, aligning with the team’s early-season pitch count strategy. Reliever Ben Brown replaced Imanaga in the fifth inning but allowed three runs, which shifted the game’s momentum in favor of the Dodgers.
Kyle Tucker’s Debut
Offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker made his debut for the Cubs in the Tokyo opener. Previously with the Houston Astros, Tucker went 0-for-4 in the game. Despite a challenging spring training, where he recorded only one hit in 23 at-bats, Tucker remains a key collation to the Cubs’ lineup, expected to bolster their offensive capabilities as the season progresses.
Japanese Players Shine
The Tokyo Series highlighted the talents of Japanese players on both teams. For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani contributed significantly with two hits, including a crucial double in the ninth inning. Dodgers’ pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto also delivered a potent performance, pitching five innings and allowing just one run. On the Cubs’ side, starting pitcher Shōta Imanaga’s four hitless innings showcased his potential, marking the first time in MLB history that two Japanese starting pitchers faced each other on Opening Day.
Coaching Staff Changes
During the offseason, the Cubs made several changes to their coaching staff. They promoted Dustin Kelly, formerly a minor league hitting instructor, to the position of hitting coach. Additionally, José Javier was engaged as the first base coach, and Mark Strittmatter took on the role of bullpen coach. These changes aim to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the team’s coaching dynamics.
Upcoming Game Preview
In the second game of the Tokyo Series, the Cubs are set to start pitcher Justin Steele, conversant for his
consistency and notable earned run average (ERA) over the past seasons. The Dodgers will counter with rookie Roki
Sasaki, who is making his MLB debut. This matchup is anticipated to be a compelling contest between the two
teams.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Cubs aim to improve upon their preceding performances, integrating new talent
and strategies to enhance their competitiveness in the league.