Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani announces marriage

Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani has announced his marriage on social media, surprising his fans.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star has largely kept his personal life under wraps and his post got one million likes in under an hour.

"I wanted everyone to know I am now married," the 29-year-old said Thursday on Instagram.

Ohtani described his Japanese bride as someone "who is very special to me". He did not give further details.

"Two people (plus one dog), we'll grow together," he said in the post, adding that he would hold a press conference on Friday.

Little was known about Ohtani's relationship status until he announced his marriage on Instagram.

Last year, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700m (£552m) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Unlike most players who specialise in batting or pitching, Ohtani is equally skilled at both disciplines.