The Los Angeles Dodgers activated pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the 60-day injured list to start against the Chicago Cubs' Shota Imanaga, marking a high-profile matchup between two Japanese rookies. Yamamoto, who signed a 12-year, $325 million deal, has posted a 6-2 record with a 2.92 ERA over 14 starts but has been sidelined since mid-June due to a right triceps injury. The game serves as a preview for the Tokyo Series next March, where both teams will play in Japan. The Dodgers, despite leading the NL West, have faced numerous injuries in their pitching staff, making Yamamoto's return crucial. Cubs left fielder Ian Happ highlighted the superstar status of Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki in Japan. Both teams are keenly watched in Japan, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects a strong performance and a good crowd turnout.