Shohei Ohtani, Shota Imanaga Shared Classy Moment Before Dodgers Star’s At-Bat

This was so wholesome.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani tips his cap to Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga in the bottom of the first inning of Tuesday's game at Dodger Stadium. | Screengrab Twitter @WatchMarquee

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga shared a special moment before the first pitch of Tuesday's game, a 6-3 Cubs win at Dodger Stadium.

As Ohtani stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat of the game in the bottom of the first inning, the Dodgers star tipped the cap of his helmet to his fellow countryman in Imanaga, who returned the favor before toeing the rubber and delivering the first pitch of the contest.

Here's the wholesome moment between the two Japanese-born players.

A tip of the cap from Shohei to Shota 🥹 pic.twitter.com/6LpeeODKQM

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 11, 2024

Just the day before, Ohtani, Imanaga and Tuesday's starter for the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, all shared a moment before Monday's game.

Shota Imanaga catches up with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto prior to tonight's Cubs-Dodgers game. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/m4TxEzoK7w

— MLB (@MLB) September 9, 2024

And the trio of players, alongside Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, combined to create a historic moment Tuesday.

Tonight's Cubs-Dodgers game is just the second game in MLB history with four Japanese-born players in the starting lineup (Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki). pic.twitter.com/CHe8zrhdpg

— MLB (@MLB) September 11, 2024

The Cubs and Dodgers will meet again on Wednesday night at 10:10 p.m. ET.

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