Dodgers vs. Cubs Picks for MLB Tokyo Series Game 1
The MLB is finally back, and we're kicking things off in Japan with the Tokyo Series — two games between the Cubs and Dodgers. Below, you'll find our top MLB DFS picks for the series opener, along with player projections for both pitchers and hitters on PrizePicks.
Whether you’re backing a pitchers' earned runs or a hitter to go over his projection, today's MLB Tokyo Series matchup is stacked with opportunities to win real money between two powerhouse pitchers: Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Cubs’ Shota Imanaga.
The Dodgers vs. Cubs game is scheduled to start at 6:10 a.m. ET from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, with the game broadcast on FOX, and the FOX Sports app.
Don’t forget to head to the PrizePicks MLB board, lock in your picks, and submit your lineup to get in on the real money MLB action during the Tokyo Series and throughout the MLB season.
Dodgers P Yoshinobu Yamamoto — 1.5 Earned Runs
Dodgers SP1 Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a remarkable season last year, particularly when facing left-handed hitters.
He posted reverse splits, performing significantly better against lefties than right-handed batters. With his split-finger fastball and curveball — each thrown more than 21% of the time — Yamamoto did not allow a single home run on these pitches. Moreover, he managed to keep opposing slugging percentages on these offerings below .180.
Notably, the Chicago Cubs are projected to send five left-handed hitters against the right-handed Yamamoto to start the MLB season
Cubs OF Kyle Tucker — 1.5 Hits+Runs+RBIs
Newly acquired Cubs OF Kyle Tucker has struggled against breaking and off-speed pitches. While he posted a batting average above .300 overall last season, his numbers plummeted to below .190 against breaking balls and a .000 average against off-speed pitches. Although this performance is based on a limited sample due to injuries, the data is concerning — especially considering that Dodgers starter Yamamoto throws off-speed and breaking pitches nearly 50% of the time.
Cubs P Shota Imanaga — 14.5 Outs
On the other side of the spectrum, Cubs’ starter Shota Imanaga has been a model of durability since June. He has consistently pitched at least five innings in every start and frequently exceeded 80 pitches per outing, with several games topping 100 pitches.
Remarkably, only four of his starts fell below 14.5 outs pitched last year. The stamina of Imanaga was in question coming into the MLB, but he proved the doubters wrong and now has a full spring training under his belt to help.
Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani — 2.5 Total Bases (Demon)
Cubs starter Imanaga relied heavily on his fastball against right-handed hitters, using it over 50% of the time, which resulted in a slugging percentage just below .500. Dodgers’ DH and NL MVP Shohei Ohtani demonstrated his dominance against left-handed fastballs last season.
In just 139 plate appearances, Ohtani recorded an expected batting average of .310 and an expected slugging percentage above .620. He also tallied eight extra-base hits and seven home runs — figures that represent a modest yet significant improvement over his 2023 season.
Note: Demon picks increase your payout on PrizePicks, as they are harder projections to hit
Dodgers P Yoshinobu Yamamoto — 3.5 Strikeouts (Goblin)
In his final 25 innings, Yamamoto allowed just six earned runs and, in his last five starts, he surrendered one earned run or less. He finished the season with a 28.5% strikeout rate, a 27% swing rate, and a 32% chase percentage. His two-pitch mix, featuring the split-finger fastball and curveball, achieved whiff rates above 33%, positioning these pitches among the most effective in MLB. Since March, he has consistently registered five or more strikeouts in every start where he pitched at least 4.1 innings—a testament to his sustained effectiveness.
Note: Goblin picks reduce your payout on PrizePicks, as they are easier projections to hit.
Win Real Money on the MLB Tokyo Series
You’ve got the top MLB picks for today's MLB Tokyo Series opener between the Dodgers vs. Cubs, now it’s time to build your MLB Lineup on PrizePicks for the first game of the MLB season. Whether you’re going with Imanaga or Yamamoto, there’s plenty of ways to win on today’s game.
All you have to do is pick more or less on at least two player projections to win real money on today’s MLB action – the more you pick, the more you can win.
Whether you’re going with demons or goblins, don’t miss out on the real money MLB action waiting for you on PrizePicks. Use these picks, stay in the green, and cash out when the first game of the MLB season is over.
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