'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDAREAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAgX/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAIjJMJP/xAAbEAADAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABBESIf/aAAgBAQABPwCek0bNsPsBoWmAkvP1SO9PcKjuf//EABoRAAEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMRIRT/2gAIAQIBAT8AkEfKyhtlYv/EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABARIv/aAAgBAwEBPwBSP//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Chicago Cubs are making a significant change in their team. They've decided to let go of Toy Matsushita, the interpreter of Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki for two and a half seasons in the MLB. Matsushita won't be participating in Suzuki's interviews with the American media right after the All-Star break.
The Cubs have decided to move in a different direction, as they'll be involving their long-term employees to help Seiya Suzuki with his communication. They don't want to outsource this service anymore. They aim is to make the Japanese players feel that they can reach their full potential as a member of the Cubs.
Trending
Nao Masamoto, who takes care of the Pacific Rim operations and major league video system, and Shoto Imanaga's interpreter, Edwin Stanberry, will help Suzuki with his interviews. The Cubs have also made it clear that their situation doesn't resemble the Los Angeles Dodgers' situation with Shohei Ohtani's translator in the early season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had to relieve Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, because of his involvement in a gambling scandal alongside the Dodgers' designated hitter. Mizuhara has stolen $17 million from Ohtani and he has been charged with bank and tax fraud.
Suzuki hasn't said anything about the situation yet and is currently one of the best hitters in the league. He has slashed a .270 batting average and a .813 OPS with 13 homers, and 47 RBIs in just 72 games.
Seiya Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani will cross paths next year at Tokyo Dome
The 2025 Major League Baseball season will kick off with an interesting trip to Japan. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will square off in a two-game series hosted at the Tokyo Dome on March 18th and 19th.
Both teams have prominent Japanese stars on their teams. The Dodgers bring two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani and starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Cubs counter with outfielder Seiya Suzuki and left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga.
This isn't the Dodgers' first international season opener. In 2024, they kicked things off in Seoul, South Korea. The 2025 matchup marks the sixth time MLB has opened the regular season in Japan.
It will be six years since the MLB last hosted a game at the Tokyo Dome. In 2019, the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners clashed against each other in Japan. The Tokyo Dome is set to witness a great match. Both the Dodgers and Cubs are eager to make a statement.
