"Dodgers vs Tigers" (27th, Los Angeles)

Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda responded to an interview before the game and said, "All I can do is contribute to the team's victory. This is where it all begins again. I want to do my best to contribute as much as I can."

During the opening series in Japan, Ohtani uploaded a T-shirt with a picture of himself and Dekopin drawn by Maeda on his Instagram. It caused a big reaction, but he said, "I don't know how it came about. I didn't give it to him, so I was surprised too." He added, "I contacted him after that. I didn't sign it."

Regarding his old team, Dodger Stadium, Maeda said, "This is the first team I played for when I came to America, and many of the coaches are still here, including the head coach. I'll never forget the cheers from the fans at the World Series." He will start the season as a relief pitcher, but added, "All I can do is contribute to the team's victory. It all starts from here again. I want to do my best to contribute as much as I can."