WATCH: Miguel Amaya praises how Imanaga handled pressure in Tokyo Series

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Tuesday, March 18 2025

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya speaks to the media after the 4-1 Opening Day loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers about what it was like facing Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the MLB Tokyo Series, what stood out to him while watching Shota Imanaga handle the pressure of pitching in Japan, and more.

Watch the postgame interview below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

(00:00) Amaya discusses his approach against Yamamoto, emphasizing looking for a close pitch, jumping on a fastball, and making solid contact.

(00:20) He praises Imanaga’s pitch execution, highlighting his ability to mix fastballs and splitters effectively to navigate through tough situations.

(00:40) Amaya is impressed by Imanaga’s confidence and ability to execute quality pitches under pressure, regardless of the batter he’s facing.

(01:14) He reflects on his RBI hit, describing his focus on finding a pitch to drive and contributing to the team, despite the final outcome.

(01:49) Amaya expresses pride in Imanaga’s MLB debut, calling it an unforgettable moment and looking forward to his success in the big leagues.

(02:26) He emphasizes the significance of being on the Opening Day roster, describing it as a confidence boost and a testament to a player’s hard work.

(03:03) He acknowledges the importance of each at-bat, particularly in a high-stakes environment like the Tokyo Series.