Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Japan’s national team, Samurai Japan, in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The decision, Roberts stated, was made by Ohtani himself.
While Ohtani has been a key contributor for both his Major League team and the Japanese national team in previous international competitions, he has opted to sit out as a pitcher for the tournament. The move marks a significant development for Japan, which could be without one of its most dynamic and influential two-way players on the mound.
Ohtani, who signed with the Dodgers in the 2023 offseason, continues to undergo preparation for the upcoming MLB season, raising the possibility that his choice is related to maintaining his health and readiness for his first year with the new club. Though no official reason was given for the decision, Ohtani is known to be recovering from an elbow procedure and has not pitched in a game since the 2023 season.
Manager Roberts noted that Ohtani’s choice came after discussions with the Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff, suggesting that careful consideration was given to his recovery schedule and workload management.
Despite not pitching, there remains the potential for Ohtani to contribute to Samurai Japan in other ways during the tournament. His offensive skills remain among the elite in baseball, and he could still have an impact as a designated hitter or in another batting role, although no confirmation has yet been provided on his participation in that capacity.
The World Baseball Classic is an important international event that showcases top talent from across the globe. Ohtani played a pivotal role in Japan’s success during the previous tournament, both as a hitter and a pitcher. His absence on the mound will nonetheless be a notable storyline as the competition approaches.
Final team rosters and player roles for the event are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
