Outfielder James Outman (28), who boarded a flight to Japan for the Tokyo Series after surpassing Kim Hye-sung (26), was demoted to the minor leagues without playing a single game in the opening two matches.

During the opening two games of the 2025 MLB World Tour Tokyo Series held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 18th and 19th (Korean time), the Dodgers secured two consecutive victories over the Chicago Cubs and announced a roster change on the way back to the United States on the 20th.

Along with Outman, pitcher Landon Knack and Matt Sauer were sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers under minor options. With three spots vacant on the 26-man roster, starting pitchers Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Dustin May are expected to be included for the season opener against the Detroit Tigers on the 28th.

Outman, who secured a ticket to Tokyo after competing with Kim Hye-sung for the final spot on the roster during spring training, went down to the minor leagues without playing a game. He came on as a substitute in the games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers before the opening, ended with two at-bats without a hit, and struck out, while only warming the bench during the two games against the Cubs.

All nine players who started in the opening two matches for the Dodgers played the entire games without substitution. Mookie Betts returned early to the U.S. due to flu-related condition issues, and Freddie Freeman complained of rib pain, while catcher Austin Barnes, utility player Chris Taylor, and Outman did not get any playing opportunities.

Outman, who was overshadowed by Andy Pahes, who started in center field for both games, will share a meal again with Kim Hye-sung, who could not go to Tokyo, in Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Pitcher Sauer, who went to Tokyo as part of the 'taxi squad,' was abruptly included in the 26-man roster ahead of the second game of the opening series. The Dodgers used a minor option on left-handed pitcher Justin Lublowski and moved Clayton Kershaw to the 60-day injured list to create a spot for Sauer on the 40-man roster.

Although Sauer, who was expected to serve in a support or long-relief role, did not get to pitch as the Dodgers won 6-3. He only sat in the bullpen, and eventually received a demotion notice.

The most disappointing player was Knack. In the second opening game, Knack pitched in the sixth inning, achieving two innings with one hit allowed, no walks, three strikeouts, and no runs for a relief win. He successfully shut down the Cubs lineup with a fastball reaching a maximum speed of 95.4 miles per hour (153.5 km/h) and an average of 94.2 miles per hour (151.6 km/h) as his main weapons.

However, what returned to him as the winning pitcher was the news of his demotion to the minor leagues. He is a pitcher capable of occupying a starting spot on other teams, but due to the depth of the Dodgers' pitching staff, he unfortunately faced the misfortune of being pushed down to Triple-A.

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