Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Dodgers and Chicago Cubs played a game on Tuesday night that captured the attention of baseball fans worldwide. This game wasn’t just a routine regular-season matchup but a landmark event in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. For only the second time, four Japanese-born players started in the same game. The first instance occurred over 17 years ago, on May 4, 2007, when the New York Yankees faced the Seattle Mariners. That game featured Japanese stars Hideki Matsui, Kei Igawa, Ichiro Suzuki, and Kenji Johjima.
This time, the spotlight was on Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers, along with Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs. Ohtani, the two-way sensation and a household name worldwide, led off as the designated hitter for Los Angeles. His 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable, as he continues to dominate both at the plate and on the mound. With a .292 batting average, 46 home runs, 101 RBI, and 47 stolen bases, Ohtani has not only passed Hideki Matsui for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player in MLB history but also solidified his case for the National League (NL) MVP. The two-time American League (AL) MVP is competing for his third MVP award, and this time, it’s in the NL, just months after signing a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers in the 2024 offseason with a 12-year, $325 million contract, started on the mound for Los Angeles. Yamamoto had a strong start to the season before a rotator cuff strain sidelined him for 60 days. Before his injury, he compiled a 6-2 record, 2.92 ERA, 1.068 WHIP, and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings, demonstrating his value as one of the top pitchers in the league. Now, as he returns from the injured list, his presence could be a game-changer for the Dodgers as they push toward the postseason.
On the Cubs’ side, rookie left-hander Shota Imanaga took the mound. Imanaga, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cubs in January, has quickly established himself as a rising star in his rookie season. With a 12-3 record, 2.99 ERA, and 1.017 WHIP, he has shown remarkable poise and consistency on the mound, earning him accolades and respect across the league.
Batting third for the Cubs was Seiya Suzuki, who has been a key part of Chicago’s lineup since joining the team in 2022. Suzuki, while not a recent high-profile signing like Ohtani, Yamamoto, or Imanaga, has made a significant impact with his performance this season. He currently boasts a .270 batting average with 19 home runs, 64 RBI, and 14 stolen bases, making him a critical player for the Cubs’ offense. Suzuki’s power and speed combination has kept him as a valuable piece in Chicago’s lineup, contributing both defensively and offensively.
So how did they do? Oddly enough, the only one whe DIDN’T make much of an impression was Shohei Ohtani, who went 0-for-4, despite a couple of long warning track fly balls. Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched brilliantly for four innings, striking out eight Cubs hitters and given up only one run. Imanaga delivered a quality start and ended up getting a no decision. The only blemishes on his pitching line were the three solo homers, two by Tommy Edman and one by Max Muncy. Finally, Seiya Suzuki was struck out twice by Yamamoto, but once his countryman was off the mound, made a significant contribution, going 3-for-5 with an RBI.
This game serves as a testament to the growing influence and talent of Japanese players in MLB. It also highlights the global nature of baseball, where players from different backgrounds come together to create memorable moments. As Ohtani, Yamamoto, Imanaga, and Suzuki continue to shine, their performances represent not only personal success but also the significant impact Japanese players have made on the game of baseball.
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