Yoshinobu Yamamoto Starts Dodgers Cactus League Opener

Yusei Kikuchi has been named the opening day starter for the Los Angeles Angels by manager Ron Washington after signing a three-year, $63 million deal this offseason. Kikuchi finished the previous season strong with a 2.70 ERA over 10 starts with the Houston Astros. Meanwhile, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start the Dodgers' Cactus League opener against the Chicago Cubs, aiming to build on his solid rookie season. Yamamoto is also set to pitch in the Dodgers' season opener against the Cubs in Tokyo, marking a historic matchup as the first regular-season MLB game featuring Japanese-born starting pitchers. Additionally, Roki Sasaki, another promising pitcher for the Dodgers, is expected to take the mound in Game 2 of the Tokyo Series. All eyes are on these Japanese pitchers as they prepare for the upcoming season.