Phillies Confirm Zack Wheeler as Opening Day Starter Against Nationals

The 2025 MLB season kicks off with the Tokyo Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers, fresh off a World Series win, will start pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will counter with Shota Imanaga. The match is scheduled for March 18 at 6:10 a.m. ET at the Tokyo Dome. The Dodgers are favored in the matchup, although they will be without Mookie Betts due to illness. Analysts suggest the game will be a close pitching duel, with projections indicating potential betting value leaning toward the under on total runs scored. Both teams are looking to establish momentum early in the season, making this a critical opener for their respective campaigns.