2023 MLB Tokyo Series: A Historic Opening to the Season
The 2023 MLB regular season is officially underway, and for fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, this season opener is especially significant. In a unique twist, the Dodgers and Cubs are facing off in a two-game series at the iconic Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. This matchup not only marks the beginning of the new baseball season but also serves as a homecoming for five players across both teams, who will be playing in front of their home crowd in Japan. The Dodgers, who are the defending World Series champions, boast three Japanese-born players, including the reigning National League MVP, Shohei Ohtani. The Cubs, on the other hand, feature two Japanese players, adding to the excitement of this historic event.
A Historic Pitching Matchup to Kick Off the Season
The 2023 MLB Tokyo Series promises to be a memorable one, starting with a historic pitching duel. For the first time in MLB history, two Japanese-born pitchers will face off on Opening Day. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a right-hander for the Dodgers, will take the mound against Shota Imanaga, a left-hander for the Cubs. This groundbreaking moment is a testament to the growing influence of Japanese talent in Major League Baseball. Yamamoto, who had a stellar 2022 season with a 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA in 90 innings, will look to continue his success. Imanaga, who impressed with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA in 173.1 innings, will aim to lead the Cubs to victory. This pitching matchup is a must-watch for baseball fans worldwide.
How to Catch the Action: Streaming the MLB Tokyo Series for Free
For fans in the United States, catching the MLB Tokyo Series might require an early wake-up call, as the games will air in the early morning hours due to the time difference. Game 1 is set for Tuesday, March 28, at 6:00 a.m. ET (7:00 p.m. in Japan) and will be broadcast on Fox. Game 2 will follow on Wednesday, March 29, at the same time, airing on Fox Sports 1 (FS1). While these early hours might be challenging for some viewers, there are convenient ways to stream the games without cable. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream offer free trials, allowing fans to watch the series without any upfront cost. Hulu + Live TV includes both Fox and FS1 and offers a three-day free trial before its monthly payments begin. Similarly, DIRECTV Stream’s Entertainment plan and MySports genre pack provide a five-day free trial, giving viewers ample time to enjoy the action.
Lineups Announced: A Look at the Probable Starters
The excitement of the MLB Tokyo Series is further amplified by the talented lineups of both teams. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the lineup features some of the biggest names in baseball. Shohei Ohtani, fresh from his MVP season, will take his place as the designated hitter. Other key players include Tommy Edman at second base, Freddie Freeman at first base, and Will Smith behind the plate. The outfield will be patrolled by Michael Conforto in left field, Teoscar Hernández in right field, and Andy Pages in center field. Miguel Rojas rounds out the infield at shortstop, and Max Muncy will start at third base.
The Chicago Cubs’ lineup is equally impressive, with a mix of veteran talent and rising stars. Ian Happ will patrol left field, while Kyle Tucker takes over in right field. Seiya Suzuki, one of the Cubs’ Japanese players, will serve as the designated hitter. Michael Busch will start at first base, and Dansby Swanson will anchor the infield at shortstop. Matt Shaw will handle the hot corner at third base, and Pete Crow-Armstrong will patrol center field. Miguel Amaya will be behind the plate, and Jon Berti will round out the infield at second base.
The Significance of the MLB Tokyo Series
The 2023 MLB Tokyo Series is more than just a pair of games; it’s a celebration of baseball’s global reach and the growing impact of Japanese players on the sport. For fans in Japan, this series is a rare opportunity to see their homegrown talent compete on the biggest stage. For fans in the United States, it’s a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of a game played in Tokyo, even if it’s from the comfort of their own homes. The series also highlights the importance of international competition in growing the sport’s popularity and fostering a sense of community among baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Why Trust This Guide?
This guide to the 2023 MLB Tokyo Series is brought to you by the New York Post’s shopping and streaming expert, Angela Tricarico. As a Commerce Writer/Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and Decider, Angela specializes in helping readers find the best deals and streaming options to watch their favorite sports teams and events. With a deep understanding of the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture, Angela has tested and compared various streaming services to ensure readers get the most value for their money. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a unique viewing experience, this guide has you covered.
