TOKYO -- The expectations for Shohei Ohtani's first trip to Japan as a major league player were massive and unyielding. He is a near-mythic figure in his home country, and his presence there this week felt as much like a royal visit as it did a guy coming into town to play some baseball.

Shohei Ohtani’s every step, swing and smile were intensely followed this week during his homecoming at the Tokyo Dome, an event that would make most mortals wilt under the pressure. The Japanese slugger was introduced before each at-bat to loud roars that continued until a few seconds before the pitch,

Although the 2025 MLB Opening Day is on March 27, the season will start earlier than that. That's because Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are scheduled to play the Chicago Cubs for two games in the Tokyo Series that will begin next Monday at the Tokyo Dome.