Five Japanese stars are back on home soil as Major Leaguers -- among them Shohei Ohtani, coming off a season for the ages \-\- and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers take the first step in defending their title.

Everything you need to know to place your MLB bets and set your fantasy baseball lineups for the season-opening Tokyo Series.

Chicago Cubs’ Shota Imanaga acknowledges cheers from fans during team introductions before an MLB Japan Series exhibition baseball game against the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, March 16, 2025.

It’s the first of a two-game series and features five Japanese players. Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie Roki Sasaki pitch for the Dodgers while the Cubs have outfielder Seiya Suzuki and lefthanded pitcher Shota Imanaga.

Shohei Ohtani and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers kick off the 2025 Major League Baseball season early Tuesday with the first of a two-game Tokyo Series with the Chicago Cubs.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Mookie Betts is starting to feel better but has lost nearly 15 pounds and is still trying to get rehydrated and gain strength.