Dodgers vs. Cubs Prediction & Odds: Game 1 of Tokyo Series

The 2025 MLB season will begin in Tokyo, Japan, with a two-game set between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Game 1 of this year’s Tokyo Series is set for 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday in the Tokyo Dome.

This marks the Dodgers’ first appearance in the Tokyo Series. However, they should have plenty of supporters, with Shohei Ohtani playing in his first professional game in his native country since leaving for MLB in 2017.

In addition, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki will likely each earn a start in their home country for the Dodgers. Shōta Imanaga, who left Japan for the majors last year, has been announced as the Cubs’ starter in Game 1.

With no shortage of storylines, check out the latest MLB odds and my Dodgers vs. Cubs prediction for Game 1 of the Tokyo Series:

Dodgers vs. Cubs Odds: Tuesday, March 18

Starting Pitchers for Dodgers vs. Cubs: Game 1

Shōta Imanaga has been announced as the Cubs’ starting pitcher for Tuesday’s Game 1. The Dodgers haven’t revealed their starter for the opener, though Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the favorite to get the ball.

• Dodgers starting pitcher: TBA
• Cubs starting pitcher: Shōta Imanaga

Dodgers vs. Cubs Prediction

Based on the latest MLB betting lines, my Dodgers vs. Cubs prediction is Los Angeles’ moneyline (-165) value for Game 1 of the Tokyo Series.

I’m more interested in backing Los Angeles in the first five innings when those baseball odds become available. I expect Yamamoto to get the start in the opener and would project a decent edge for him in a matchup against Imanaga.

Yamamoto posted a 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts during his debut season in 2024, failing to live up to the expectations of his position as the highest-paid pitcher in the league. But that might lead to some early value on Yamamoto in his second season.

In his final spring tuneup, Yamamoto allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven batters across five innings. He threw 50 of his 75 pitchers for strikes, generating 12 whiffs.

Imanaga had a better rookie campaign, spinning a 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts for the Cubs. However, limiting a powerful Dodgers lineup is a different challenge, particularly when a pitcher struggles with home runs like Imanaga.

I’m guessing the market will move toward the Dodgers the closer it gets to Tuesday’s first pitch.

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo Series

Watch Game 1 of the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs on FOX.

• Date: Tuesday, March 18
• Time: 6 a.m. ET
• Location: Tokyo Dome (Japan)
• TV info: FOX

Dodgers 2025 Schedule

Cubs 2025 Schedule