The star-studded Dodgers begin their World Series title defense in the Tokyo Series against the Cubs, opening the 2025 MLB season. Los Angeles and Chicago will play a pair of games in front of 55,000 rabid fans at the Tokyo Dome, with first pitch set for 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19.

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.

The Dodgers will open the 2025 MLB regular season against the Cubs in a two-game Tokyo Series starting March 18

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.

Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Cubs because of an illness that's lingered for the past week.

Shortstop Mookie Betts will miss the Los Angeles Dodgers' two exhibition games in Japan because of an illness, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. Roberts said he's still hopeful that the eight-time All-Star will be available for the team's first regular season game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome.