In the Cubs’ 4-2 win against the Yomiuri Giants in an exhibition game Sunday, Boyd threw four shutout innings in relief, in the latest step of his spring training buildup. And, pitching in the Tokyo Dome in front of 42,000 fans, he clocked in at least 94.5 mph five times.

In their final game action until they face the Dodgers on Tuesday, the Cubs regained some positive momentum with a 4-2 win against the Yomiuri Giants of the NPB. The Cubs looked much better than their previous exhibition, a sign that they may finally be acclimated to the unique environment that Tokyo provides.

But the Japanese players who were playing in front of their home country at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday handled any jitters they had quite well, delivering in clutch moments as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs, 4-1, in Major League Baseball’s season opener.

TOKYO (AP) — The Major League Baseball season kicks off Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome when Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs.

In 2024, Imanaga posted the highest fly ball rate among National League pitchers, at a 45.5 percent clip. He ranked fifth in the NL in home runs surrendered, with 27. While Ohtani has the best odds to homer against him, at +280, it’s actually Tommy Edman who may be the best bet to go deep at +700.

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Playing the Over on runs is a strong bet, as the starting pitchers may not be fully stretched out, and the Tokyo Dome is referred to as “Homer Heaven.” It is a hitter’s park, which can favor the Dodgers against a starter with fly-ball tendencies.