After a dominating 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in the first game of the Tokyo Series on March 18, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers will wrap up the sweep in Game 2 on March 19. With their pitching rotation firing on all cylinders and timely hitting in the first game, the Dodgers go into the second game full of momentum, while the Cubs rely on stars to spark a turnabout. A brief Game 1 recap, Game 2 of what to search for—tied with key DFS plays—plus the latest odds and pitcher matchup details.

 

 

 

Tokyo Series Game 1 Recap: Dodgers Dominate, Cubs Struggle

Yoshinobu Yamamoto looked solid in his debut for the Dodgers, posting five one-run innings of relief on three hits, striking out four, to win (1-0) on a 60 Game Score. Bullpen—Anthony Banda, Brent Casparius, Blake Treinen, and Tim Scott—shut the door on four hitless innings with one whiff. Scott recorded the save (1) on a clean ninth. Shohei Ohtani led the offense, going 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored (.400 AVG,.600 SLG), with Teoscar Hernandez (1-for-4, RBI), Will Smith (1-for-2, RBI), and Tommy Edman (1-for-5, RBI) each having a run in. Michael Conforto added a double (1-for-4), but the Dodgers left 11 on base despite eight walks and 3-for-15 with runners in position to score.

The Dodgers struggled on offense as well, managing only three hits. Shota Imanaga restricted the Dodgers to nothing through four innings (zero hits, four walks, 60 Game Score), but the 'pen was not as successful. Ben Brown (0-1) was the losing pitcher, yielding three runs (two earned) in 2.2 innings, and Ryan Brasier allowed a run in the ninth. Miguel Amaya's RBI double (1-for-3) scored the lone run for the Cubs, and Ian Happ (1-for-3) and Dansby Swanson (1-for-3) had the other two hits. Chicago went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left four on base.

 

 

 

Tokyo Series Dodgers vs. Cubs Odds (Game 2)

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

  • LAD: -155 ML 
  • CHC: +130 ML 
  • Total: 8.0 O/U

 

 

 

Tokyo Series Dodgers vs. Cubs: Pitching Matchup

Roki Sasaki, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki makes his MLB debut in Game 2, bringing a triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter that dominated Japan’s NPB. While he has no MLB stats, Sasaki’s spring training was electric—over 7 innings across two starts, he allowed zero earned runs and struck out 8. Facing a Cubs lineup desperate to rebound from a three-hit Game 1 will test his nerves, but Sasaki’s raw talent could make him a star right out of the gate in front of his home crowd.

Justin Steele, Chicago Cubs

Justin Steele counters for the Cubs, offering veteran stability after a 2024 season where he went 12-6 with a 3.07 ERA and 142 strikeouts over 155.2 innings. He closed out the year well, allowing only 10 earned runs in his final six starts. This spring, Steele threw 8.2 innings in three appearances, giving up nine earned runs. He'll be going up against a Dodgers offense that took eight walks in Game 1, so pinpoint accuracy will be key to making this game competitive.

 

 

 

Tokyo Series Dodgers vs. Cubs: Projected Lineups

Los Angeles Dodgers Projected Lineup

  1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
  2. Tommy Edman, 2B
  3. Teoscar Hernandez, RF
  4. Will Smith, C
  5. Max Muncy, 3B
  6. Enrique Hernandez, 1B
  7. Michael Conforto, LF
  8. Miguel Rojas, SS
  9. Andy Pages, CF

Chicago Cubs Projected Lineup

  1. Ian Happ, LF
  2. Seiya Suzuki, DH
  3. Kyle Tucker, RF
  4. Michael Busch, 1B
  5. Matt Shaw, 3B
  6. Dansby Swanson, SS
  7. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
  8. Jon Berti, 2B
  9. Miguel Amaya, C

 

 

 

Game 2 Preview: Key Players to Watch

Shohei Ohtani, 1B/OF (Dodgers)

Ohtani is the undisputed DFS winner of Game 2. Fresh off a 2024 MVP season with 57 homers and 59 steals, he's already impressing in Tokyo—2-for-5 with a double and two runs in Game 1 after going deep in an exhibition game prior to the series. Ohtani won't be a cakewalk for Steele, but his.400 AVG and.600 SLG in Game 1, combined with his unparalleled power and speed, make him the slate's most-rostered player.

Kyle Tucker, OF (Cubs)

Chicago's largest offseason acquisition, Tucker seeks to ignite the offense in Game 2 after posting 0-for-4 in his series debut. In 2024, he hit .282 with 23 HRs, 11 SBs, and a .972 OPS while away due to a leg injury. Subdued spring (1-for-23), but it was a home run, foreshadowing his ceiling. Batting third against Sasaki, Tucker may take advantage if nerves get the better of him on opening day, offering a high-ceiling DFS value.

Teoscar Hernandez, OF (Dodgers)

Hernandez, back in the Dodgers after a 2024 breakout year (36 HR, 111 RBI), was 1-for-4 with an RBI in Game 1. Teoscar has been a lefty killer he should find success against Steele, priming him for a potential power explosion. Hernandez's Game 1 contribution and favorable situation make him a trendy DFS play.

Ian Happ, OF (Cubs)

The Cubs' leadoff man was 1-for-3 with a walk in Game 1 (.333 AVG,.500 OBP), showing his on-base skills. Having put up a 2024 season with 25 home runs and 13 steals, Happ challenges his skills against Sasaki and the Dodgers' top bullpen (four scoreless innings in Game 1). His lower ownership and ability to provide value make him a contrarian DFS play.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF (Cubs)

Crow-Armstrong went 0-for-3 in Game 1 but brings tantalizing upside. Following a rookie year with 10 homers and 27 stolen bases, he dominated spring training (.519 AVG, three homers, two steals). Sasaki’s inexperience could let PCA exploit his speed, offering big potential for Game 2 DFS builds despite his quiet opener.

Other Notable Options:

Seiya Suzuki, OF (Cubs): 0-for-4 in Game 1 (.000 AVG), but his 2024 pop (20+ HR potential) is still on the radar.

Max Muncy, 3B (Dodgers): 0-for-3 with two walks in Game 1 (.400 OBP), a patient hitter with power upside.

Tommy Edman, 2B (Dodgers): 1-for-5 with an RBI in Game 1 (.200 AVG), a utility piece.

Andy Pages, OF (Dodgers): 0-for-2 but walked twice (.500 OBP), showing restraint.

Dansby Swanson, SS (Cubs): 1-for-3 in Game 1 (.333 AVG), a steady cog if the Cubs rally.