The Major League Baseball season kicks off Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome when Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs.

Shohei Ohtani met the moment in his return to the Tokyo Dome, because of course he did. In Saturday’s exhibition against the Yomiuri Giants, Ohtani – ever the showman – was quick to slug a home run while wearing a major league uniform in his home country for the first time for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts will miss both games of the upcoming Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of illness, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced. However, Betts is expected to recover in time to play in the Dodgers' stateside opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is dealing with an illness and it is unclear if he will play in Tuesday's regular-season opener against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Betts missed Saturday's exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants and Sunday's exhibition contest against the Hanshin Tigers.