On March 18, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Chicago Cubs for the opening game of the MLB Tokyo Series presented by Guggenheim, but the Dodgers’ lineup took a surprising turn just minutes before the first pitch.
Freddie Freeman, initially slated to hit third as the starting first baseman, was suddenly removed from the lineup due to what the team described as “discomfort in his left oblique.” This announcement came roughly 30 minutes before the game began, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the impact of his absence on the Dodgers' performance.
Before Freeman's removal, the Dodgers had posted their lineup at around 3 PM local time, which included star players such as Shohei Ohtani starting as the designated hitter, and Tommy Edman batting second. Freeman was set to follow Edman, with Teoscar Hernandez rounding out the top four hitters.
Faced with Freeman’s unexpected withdrawal, the Dodgers adapted their batting order to minimize disruption. Teoscar Hernandez moved to the third spot to assume Freeman’s role, and Will Smith was elevated to fourth. Enrique Hernandez, who would replace Freeman at first base, was positioned sixth, with new acquisition Michael Conforto taking over left field.
The reshuffled lineup read as follows: 1. Shohei Ohtani (DH), 2. Tommy Edman (2B), 3. Teoscar Hernandez (RF), 4. Will Smith (C), 5. Max Muncy (3B), 6. Enrique Hernandez (1B), 7. Michael Conforto (LF), 8. Miguel Rojas (SS), and 9. Andy Pages (CF). The starting pitcher for this opening matchup was Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is entering his second year and was slated for his first Major League opening day start
Unfortunately for the Dodgers, Freeman wasn't the only notable absence; Mookie Betts was also unavailable due to poor physical condition and had returned to the United States. Betts’ absence, alongside Freeman’s, raised concerns about the Dodgers’ offensive capabilities against the Cubs.
The Cubs fielded their own solid roster, with Seiya Suzuki taking the designated hitter role and batting second, aiming to make a significant impact as part of the Chicago lineup. Kyle Tucker, who recently signed with the team, was listed third. Meanwhile, the fourth spot was occupied by Michael Busch, and Pete Crow-Armstrong was to play center field, marking another key player to watch.
Similar anxieties echoed around the Cubs as Justin Turner, their veteran presence, was also dropped from the starting lineup. The Cubs, led by pitcher Shota Imanaga, were expected to rely heavily on their younger talents like Crow-Armstrong, who had already impressed fans during the preseason.
The anticipation built up throughout the day was palpable as fans gathered at the Tokyo Dome, eager to witness some of the league's top talents showcase their skills. With game time set for 7:10 PM, all eyes were on how both teams would adapt to these sudden changes and whether the Dodgers could compensate effectively for the loss of two stars.
Freeman's situation serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where health and readiness can quickly alter competitive dynamics. The Dodgers were met with the challenge of rallying their team spirit and executing their game plan against the Cubs' formidable lineup, minus the influential presence of one of their biggest bats.
Fans and analysts alike awaited the game's commencement, eager to see how the revised lineup would perform under pressure and whether the Dodgers could manage to secure a win on opening day of the historic Tokyo Series.
