Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Cubs because of an illness that's lingered for the past week.

Five Japanese stars are back on home soil as Major Leaguers -- among them Shohei Ohtani, coming off a season for the ages \-\- and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers take the first step in defending their title.

Betts, who has been ill with a virus for the past week and lost “close to 15 pounds” as a result, is officially ruled out for the regular-season games against the Cubs and might leave Japan

Teruaki Sato hit a three-run home run off Blake Snell for the only runs of the game, giving the Hanshin Tigers a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in an exhibition game on Sunday afternoon at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

The Hanshin Tigers capped a two-game sweep over MLB clubs with a 3-0 win over the Dodgers, following a matching victory over the Cubs the day before.

Behind a superb start from Hiroto Saiki, the Hanshin Tigers didn't give up a hit until the fifth inning and defeated the Dodgers 3-0 at the Tokyo Dome.