He faced a staunch Team USA lineup, with Dodgers star Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot. Plenty of MLB teams were paying attention when Imanaga took the ball, anticipating his move to MLB. The Cubs were one of them.

Last year, the Padres and Dodgers got the MLB regular season started early with two games in South Korea. This year, it’s the Cubs and Dodgers kicking things off the week before league-wide Opening Day.

Catch the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Hanshin Tigers in the Tokyo Series this Saturday on MLB.TV. The Dodgers have made the trip to Japan and will play in their second exhibition game before playing a two-game regular season set against the Chicago Cubs starting Tuesday.