Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga said Wednesday he was “very honored” to receive the opening day start against the Los Angeles Dodgers when the teams meet March 18 in Tokyo.

Shota Imanaga said he doesn't take lightly the "honor" of being named Opening Day starter for the Chicago Cubs on March 18 in Tokyo.Imanaga is expected to oppose countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers in the first of a two-game set labeled the Tokyo Series.

Spring training is underway and Major League Baseball's 2025 regular season is fast approaching. As such, it is never too early to keep tabs on each team's Opening Day starter. These announcements come in throughout spring training and sometimes before camp even opens.