The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially announced their starting rotation for the much-anticipated home-opening series against the Detroit Tigers. After beginning their 2025 campaign with a two-game series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers are set to return to Dodger Stadium, where fans will get their first look at the team’s new acquisitions in action.
Blake Snell to Open the Series
Leading the way for the Dodgers will be two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, who will take the mound for the home opener on Thursday, March 27. Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, is expected to bring stability and dominance to the starting rotation. The veteran left-hander spent the last few seasons with the San Diego Padres, where he showcased his ability to dominate hitters with his devastating fastball-slider combination.
Snell’s performance during spring training has been promising, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in his ability to set the tone for the team’s first game at home. “Blake has been everything we hoped for,” Roberts said. “His experience, his approach on the mound, and his ability to compete at the highest level make him a perfect choice to open things up at Dodger Stadium.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Takes the Ball on Friday
Following Snell in the rotation is Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is set to start on Friday, March 28. The highly regarded ace was a key signing for the Dodgers in the offseason, joining the team on a record-setting $325 million contract. Yamamoto’s impressive debut in the season opener against the Cubs in Tokyo gave Dodgers fans a glimpse of what he can bring to the table. He pitched six strong innings, allowing only two runs while striking out seven batters in the win.
Yamamoto, who dominated in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before making the transition to Major League Baseball, is expected to be a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation for years to come. His ability to mix speeds and his pinpoint control have drawn comparisons to some of the best pitchers in the game.
Roki Sasaki to Start on Saturday
Closing out the series will be another Japanese sensation, Roki Sasaki, who will take the mound on Saturday, March 29. Sasaki, known for his blazing fastball that regularly reaches triple digits, made his MLB debut in Tokyo, pitching three innings against the Cubs. Though his first start was cut short, Roberts and the Dodgers coaching staff believe he has the potential to develop into a dominant force in the big leagues.
Sasaki, only 22 years old, has been regarded as one of the most exciting pitching prospects in baseball. His ability to generate strikeouts and overpower hitters has made him a must-watch player, and Dodgers fans will get their first chance to see him pitch at home this weekend.
With a formidable rotation in place, the Dodgers are poised to make a strong statement as they take on the Tigers in their first home series of the season.