The Los Angeles Angels are targeting Shohei Ohtani's next start to come against the Seattle Mariners this weekend.

It would have been a huge event in Japan if Ohtani had pitched to fellow countryman Ichiro Suzuki.

However, the Mariners announced on Thursday that Ichiro is transitioning to a role in the front office, effectively immediately.

"I have nothing but the utmost respect for him," Ohtani said in a statement released by the Angels. "What he has done for this game, our country and the fans. I wish we could have played against him, but it wasn't meant to be. Wish nothing but the best for him moving forward."