Reports indicate that Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, underwent an extensive search involving close to 150 police officers, sniffer dogs, X-ray detectors, and other equipment following a tip about a potential threat targeting Ohtani. The information was disclosed by Seoul's Guro police station.
According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, the Associated Press states that the search was prompted by an email received by the country's consulate general in Vancouver, Canada, warning of a planned explosion during Wednesday's game.
Ohtani and the Dodgers are currently in South Korea for the inaugural Seoul Series, where they will face off against the San Diego Padres in the first two games of the season. This event marks the first official MLB game to be held in the country.
Yonhap also said that the sender of the email, which was in English, claimed to be from a Japanese lawyer. They cited police as suspecting that the message may have come from a person who sent numerous similar messages and faxes over the last year, all claiming to be from a Japanese lawyer.
"The safety and security of our fans and everyone in the ballparks where we play are always our first priority," MLB said in a statement sent to The Los Angeles Times.
"MLB, along with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and other local officials, will continue to monitor the situation closely and take any appropriate steps throughout the event."
Guro police said that nearly 350 officers will be active for the start of the game, according to AP.
The game begins just after 3 a.m. in California.
The Dodgers rocked the baseball world this offseason, starting with Ohtani's massive $700 million, 10-year contract, followed by the $325 million, 12-year deal with Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto weeks later.
