Dodgers vs Cubs MLB Tokyo Series Odds & Predictions (March 19)
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-155) face the Chicago Cubs (+130) in Game 2 of the MLB Tokyo Series, with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 am ET at the Tokyo Dome.
Excited baseball player raising arms triumphantly
Japanese rookie sensation Roki Sasaki makes his MLB debut for the Dodgers, bringing his elite 100 mph fastball and highly-rated split-finger. The Cubs counter with Justin Steele (5-5, 3.07 ERA in '24), who's working back from hamstring and forearm injuries.
The Dodgers will likely be without Mookie Betts (illness), while Freddie Freeman remains questionable with a left rib injury. Despite these potential absences, LA's lineup remains dangerous with Shohei Ohtani, who went 2-for-5 with two runs in the opener, plus Will Smith, Teoscar Hernandez, and Michael Conforto.
The Cubs' offense has struggled recently, failing to record a hit after the third inning in Tuesday's loss and scoring just five runs in their two exhibition games against Japanese teams last week.
Key Factors:
- Dodgers crushed left-handed pitching last season (.460 SLG, .800 OPS)
- Sasaki dominated in Japan with 10.5 K/9 and 0.2 HR/9
- LA's lineup depth overcomes potential star absences
- Chicago's cold bats face tough test against Sasaki's elite arsenal
Prediction: Take the Dodgers moneyline (-155). Sasaki's unique talent should stifle Chicago's struggling offense, while LA's deep lineup should continue their success against left-handed pitching, even with key absences.
The total is set at 8 runs, with the Dodgers also available at -1.5 (+105) on the run line.