The Los Angeles Dodgers faced unexpected turmoil as they prepared for their highly anticipated opening game against the Chicago Cubs on March 18, 2025, at Tokyo Dome. Just 40 minutes before the first pitch, Dodgers’ fans were shocked to learn of significant lineup changes due to player injuries.
Freddie Freeman, the team’s star infielder and the previous season's World Series MVP, was suddenly removed from the starting lineup. The Dodgers announced he was experiencing discomfort in his left oblique, which forced him to the bench right before the game started. This last-minute change caused quite the stir among fans, many of whom had expected to see Freeman take his place as the third batter.
Compounding the situation, Mookie Betts, another key member of the Dodgers' lineup, had already returned home to the United States due to poor health. These developments left Shohei Ohtani, the standout player for the Los Angeles Angels, as the only available member of the famed MVP trio.
The Dodgers later confirmed the modifications to their batting order. Ohtani stepped up to the plate first, batting as the designated hitter (DH). Following him was Tommy Edman at second base, with Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith, Max Muncy, Kike Hernandez, Michael Conforto, Miguel Rojas, and Andy Pages rounding out the rest of the lineup.
Freeman was expected to have had an impactful game considering his stellar performance last season. Having been included as the third batter originally announced before the game, his absence left many questioning the team's strength going forward. Stunned spectators at the Tokyo Dome reacted to the news, aware of how pivotal Freeman’s presence is to the Dodgers’ success.
Freeman had participated in batting practice earlier on the day of the game, raising concerns when he was eventually announced as absent just before the teams took the field. Although he had been recovering from ankle surgery last December, his sudden drop from the starting lineup caught everyone off guard. It’s unclear whether the injury is severe enough to sideline Freeman for more than this opening game.
On the other hand, Betts' absence was announced earlier as he left for his home country on March 17, 2025. His poor physical condition has already created ripples within the team, as he was also expected to be one of the driving forces behind their offense the entire season.
With the game scheduled to start at 7:10 PM, the Dodgers quickly announced their revised starting lineup to the fans, who were filled with mixed emotions. While Ohtani, who had performed remarkably throughout previous seasons, would lead the team, many wondered about the Dodgers’ overall ability to compete with their star players sitting on the sidelines.
Considering the stakes of the current situation, this game became more than just the season opener. It was now viewed as both a test of depth for the Dodgers and Ohtani's ability to carry the team alone against tough competition. The Chicago Cubs were ready to take advantage of the weakened Dodgers roster.
The urgency became clear as the teams prepared to enter the diamond, with the Dodgers deeply impacted by the absence of two of their notable players. Despite having strong replacements, the shift from expected starters to filled positions raised concerns about teamwork and performance continuity.
Fans and analysts alike anticipated how the Dodgers would respond to these unexpected challenges. Would Ohtani, having the weight of his team’s hopes upon him, manage to shine through the adversity? Would the replacements step up to the occasion? Many questions lingered as the game approached.
Although the Dodgers faced stiff competition from the Cubs, the unexpected changes prompted discussions about the team's resilience and depth. Deemed the underdogs due to the line-up shake-up, they entered the game with heightened intensity and determination to prove their critics wrong.
When the first pitch finally soared through the air, all eyes were on Ohtani, the lone MVP. With the world watching, the Dodger’s season was about to take off, determined to forge ahead against the odds. The Dodger’s lineup — though altered and uncertain — was ready to face the music.
