Dodgers’ Opening Series rotation will present nasty challenge to visiting Tigers

Even though the Dodgers never publicly promised that Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki would be their Nos. 1 and 2 starters for the Tokyo Series, citing Sasaki's need to throw a few spring training innings to see how he stood up against major league hitting, fans were always under the assumption that wouldn't change. Craig Counsell laughed when asked if Shota Imanaga would open the first game and said, "I don't think I have much of a choice. It didn't really feel like the Dodgers did, either.

Sasaki's debut worked out pretty well for the Dodgers; he got into some trouble in the bottom of the third, when he gave up a single and then allowed a run to score on three consecutive walks, but it was a promising outing for LA's most prized addition of the offseason.

The Dodgers announced their rotation for their Opening Series at home in LA against the Tigers which, somewhat surprisingly, will also feature Sasaki as their No. 3. Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell will go head-to-head with reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Yamamoto will follow, presumably against former Dodger Jack Flaherty, and Sasaki is likely to face Reese Olson.

Dodgers set rotation of Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki for stateside Opening Day against Tigers

Sasaki's spot as the Dodgers' No. 3 is a little surprising, given that it bumps Tyler Glasnow down the pecking order. Instead, Glasnow is likely to make his season debut against the Braves on March 31, followed by Dustin May for the second game. The Dodgers have committed to using a five-man rotation until Shohei Ohtani makes his return to the mound, so we should expect to see Snell close out that series.

Skubal is going to give the Dodgers a run for their money in that first game, but Flaherty (who will probably receive his World Series ring on his return to LA) and Olson could be more vulnerable. The Tigers' offense also has nothing on the Dodgers', and Detroit probably won't have one of their biggest bats in the lineup, as Kerry Carpenter can't/doesn't hit lefties like Snell.

The Dodgers have a bit of a rough stretch after they face the Tigers with the Braves and then Phillies, but the rotation could shape up to being one of the best in baseball (if May can bounce back nicely) after these key offseason additions and returns from injury.