Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani to Skip Pitching for Japan in WBC

Bassyonni

Published: February 1, 2026 1:09 AM ET

Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani to Skip Pitching for Japan in WBC

Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced on Saturday that he will not pitch for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed this decision, stating, “He’s not going to pitch in the WBC.” Ohtani’s focus will be solely on hitting during the tournament.

Ohtani’s Decision for WBC

The choice for Ohtani to forego pitching was made about a month prior, according to Roberts. If Ohtani had expressed a desire to pitch, the Dodgers would have supported his decision. “Absolutely,” Roberts affirmed, showcasing the team’s willingness to back Ohtani’s wishes.

Previous WBC Performance

In the last WBC, Ohtani excelled as a two-way player. He made two pitching appearances and served as Japan’s closer during their championship win against the United States. His iconic moment came when he struck out Mike Trout to secure the victory.

Focus on the Upcoming Season

Shifting his attention to the regular MLB season, Ohtani is eager to enhance his performance. He aims to mix various skills, including stealing bases and hitting home runs. “Doing it all would be great,” he expressed to fans at DodgerFest.

Ohtani’s Achievements:
- Two-way player in previous WBC.
- Secured the final out against Team USA.
Goals for the 2024 Season:
- Compete for his fifth MVP award.
- Become the first Japanese pitcher to win a Cy Young.

Pitching Preparation

Ohtani is currently recovering from a second Tommy John surgery. Last season, he made his return to the mound, pitching in 14 games with a 3.14 earned-run average. His impressive postseason performance included striking out 10 batters in a key NL Championship Series game.

With Ohtani sidelining pitching duties in the WBC, the Dodgers can focus on his health and prepare him for the regular season. Roberts stated that Ohtani will pitch normally and not be restricted to shorter appearances. “He will be ramping up his arm in spring training,” he noted.

Conclusion

While Ohtani’s status for the WBC might have appeared uncertain, the clear direction from Dodgers management indicates he will focus on his hitting. This strategy positions him for a historic season with the Dodgers and enhances his potential for individual accolades.