Sawt Falasteen - 'Throwing Philosopher' plans to get inside Ohtani's head in MLB opener

Japan's Imanaga will start for the Cubs in the first of two games against the World Series champion Dodgers in Tokyo, where he will come up against superstar compatriot Ohtani.

The pair played together in Japan's World Baseball Classic-winning team in 2023, with Imanaga starting the final against the United States.

Now they are preparing to square off in MLB uniforms at a sold-out Tokyo Dome, with Imanaga set to face Ohtani with his first pitch of the game.

"Obviously he's a world-class player, the best in the world, but there are only two possible outcomes -- either he hits the ball or he doesn't," Imanaga said on Monday.

"I don't need to try to do things that I can't do, I just need to go out there and try my best.

"Whatever the result of that first at-bat is, it won't decide the game."

Ohtani is a national hero in Japan and his first visit there with the Dodgers has been greeted with wild excitement.

Imanaga has also seen his profile rise since joining the Cubs a year ago and becoming an All-Star in his first season.

The 31-year-old's "Throwing Philosopher" nickname comes from his studious approach to the game.

He has become a cult hero at Wrigley Field for his fun personality and expressive nature on the mound.

"Previously it felt like there were set expectations that I had to meet, but since coming to the US I feel like I've been able to be myself," he said.

"Baseball is just one part of my life and I'd rather be myself out there and not worry so much about other people’s expectations of me."

Tuesday's game will mark the first time that two Japanese starting pitchers have gone head to head on MLB's opening day, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to take the mound for the Dodgers.

Imanaga said the occasion ranks as the highlight of his career so far.

"It's probably number one," he said.

"When all is said and done and I finish my career and take off my jersey, I really want to think about this moment."

F.AbuZaid--SF-PST