Cubs fans who came to watch the game gave a standing ovation as Shota Imanaga walked down the pitcher's mound at Goodyear Stadium on Monday afternoon. The next time the left pitcher stands on the pitcher's mound, the stage will be upgraded to the Tokyo Dome, which is attracting global attention.

In the Cubs' 7-4 win over the Guardians, Imanaga made his last starting pitch before the Tokyo Series opener. On March 18, he will make his season debut at Tokyo Dome against reigning World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers. The bout is expected to be witnessed by tens of thousands of fans, and Imanaga's first pitch is likely to face Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani.

"It's going to be a special moment. Edwin Stanbury said through an interpreter.

On Monday morning, chairs in the Cubs' locker room were filled with light blue T-shirts emblazoned with Japanese and the words "Tokyo Series 2025." Head coach Craig Counsell revealed that more than 31 have been handed out, but the final 26-man roster remains undecided. The squad will be announced after the Brewers early Tuesday morning before departing for Japan, including 26 regular players and five alternate players.

Conseil sees this as a great team-building opportunity: "It's obviously more rewarding to go to Japan than to play laser tag or trust back falls. He added with a smile: "We can choose to go to Japan, which is more fun than any team building activity." "

Before training on Sunday morning, Conseil invited Japanese comedian Saku Yanagaw to give a cultural talk to the team. The Chicago-based artist who is familiar with Cubs outfielder Makoto Suzuki explains the taboos of life in Tokyo in the form of a "nine-game game".

"We learned important manners," Conseil said, "such as the fact that the juniors had to raise their glasses lower than the elders. This made the 40-year-old veteran Justin Turner joke that all his teammates saluted him.

This short talk show kicked off the Cubs' trip to Japan. As last year's All-Star and No. 4 winner of the Rookie King, Imanaga will play a key role in the Tokyo Series. Last season, he went 15-3 and had a 2.91 ERA and became a major force for the Cubs to make the playoffs.

In Monday's 4.1-inning pitch against Cleveland, Imanaga missed four runs with two home runs and missed four points, but made four strikeouts and only one protection. "There's a week left to adjust and I can improve my form. He plans to organize a team dinner in Tokyo where his teammates can experience traditional Japanese cuisine.

"I want you to feel the country where Sekoya Suzuki and I grew up. "When people go back to the U.S. and reminisce about this wonderful experience, I am very happy." "With the Tokyo Series just around the corner, the Cubs are taking on this challenge across the Pacific with enthusiasm.