MLB Season Kicks Off with Tokyo Series
The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season began with a historic Tokyo Series featuring the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. These games marked MLB’s first return to Japan since 2019. Held at the Tokyo Dome, home of the Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants, the series was a significant event for both teams. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed excitement about starting the season in Japan, seeing it as a valuable team bonding experience. The series featured a notable pitching matchup between Japanese-born pitchers Shota Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Injury Updates Impacting Teams
Injuries have already begun to shape the season. Mookie Betts of the Dodgers missed the Tokyo Series due to illness and is doubtful for the domestic opener against the Tigers. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is recovering from right elbow surgery and is expected to throw a bullpen session soon. The Dodgers are managing his return carefully, and he did not pitch in the Tokyo Series.
The Tampa Bay Rays face challenges with Shane McClanahan starting the season on the injured list due to left triceps tightness and nerve irritation. Similarly, the Baltimore Orioles have several players dealing with injuries. Gunnar Henderson has a mild right intercostal strain, while Grayson Rodriguez is recovering from right elbow inflammation. Félix Bautista and Jorge Mateo are also uncertain for Opening Day due to their respective injuries.
Phillies and Braves Injury Concerns
The Philadelphia Phillies are dealing with injuries to Ranger Suárez and Matt Strahm. Suárez is expected to start the season on the injured list due to a sore back, while Strahm’s left shoulder soreness could impact his availability for Opening Day. The Atlanta Braves have Sean Murphy recovering from a cracked left rib, but he has been cleared to resume some baseball activities.
Yankees and Reds Face Setbacks
The New York Yankees have several players on the injured list, including Clarke Schmidt with right shoulder fatigue and Ian Hamilton recovering from an infection. Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with severe tendon injuries in both elbows, and DJ LeMahieu is recovering from a left calf strain. The Cincinnati Reds are also facing challenges, with Alexis Díaz and Spencer Steer starting the season on the injured list due to hamstring and shoulder issues, respectively.
Mariners and Royals Injury Updates
The Seattle Mariners have Victor Robles dealing with a right hand contusion, while George Kirby is on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. The Kansas City Royals are monitoring Vinnie Pasquantino after he exited a game with a right hamstring strain. Kyle Wright and Alec Marsh are also recovering from shoulder issues.
Athletics and Marlins Injury Concerns
The Oakland Athletics will be without Zack Gelof for at least the first month of the season due to surgery for a hook of hamate fracture in his right hand. The Miami Marlins have Connor Norby dealing with a left oblique injury, while Ryan Weathers and Edward Cabrera are also facing injury setbacks.
Blue Jays and Astros Injury Updates
The Toronto Blue Jays have Max Scherzer dealing with thumb soreness, but he recently threw four scoreless innings. Daulton Varsho is recovering from right shoulder surgery, and Alek Manoah is making progress after Tommy John surgery. The Houston Astros are monitoring Christian Walker, Lance McCullers Jr., and Luis Garcia as they recover from various injuries.
Padres and Twins Injury Concerns
The San Diego Padres have Yu Darvish sidelined indefinitely due to persistent inflammation in his throwing arm. Matt Waldron and Jhonny Brito are also dealing with injuries. The Minnesota Twins have Brooks Lee and Brock Stewart missing the initial stages of the season due to back and hamstring issues, respectively.
Tigers and Giants Injury Updates
The Detroit Tigers are monitoring Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling as they recover from nerve-related and rotator cuff issues. Alex Cobb is continuing his return to competitive form. The San Francisco Giants have Jerar Encarnacion undergoing surgery for a hand fracture, while Jung Hoo Lee is expected to make a comeback soon after dealing with spinal column tightness.
Pirates and Cubs Injury Concerns
The Pittsburgh Pirates have Jared Jones ruled out for the remainder of the spring schedule due to an underlying condition. The Chicago Cubs are monitoring Nico Hoerner as he returns from a flexor tendon injury.
Red Sox and Rockies Injury Updates
The Boston Red Sox have Masataka Yoshida continuing in a designated hitter role, while Bryson Bello and Kutter Crawford are making progress in their recoveries. Lucas Giolito is dealing with a low-grade hamstring strain. The Colorado Rockies have Thairo Estrada sidelined with a wrist fracture.
Brewers and White Sox Injury Concerns
The Milwaukee Brewers are monitoring Bryce Turang and Nick Mears as they recover from arm fatigue and illness, respectively. Tobias Myers is dealing with an oblique strain. The Chicago White Sox have Drew Thorpe set to undergo Tommy John surgery, while Josh Rojas is dealing with a toe injury.
In summary, the MLB season has kicked off with excitement and challenges. The Tokyo Series was a historic start, but injuries are already impacting many teams. As the season progresses, teams will need to manage these setbacks while striving for success on the field.