Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Several Los Angeles Dodgers players are expected to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, including Shohei Ohtani, who is returning to lead Team Japan.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto figures to be named to the Samurai Japan roster as well, while Roki Sasaki is likely skipping the international competition this time after missing most of his rookie season with a shoulder injury.
The Dodgers ideally would prefer that their star players sit out the upcoming WBC after the club’s deep playoff run, but they also realize how important the tournament is to Japan.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said he had productive talks with officials from Samurai Japan to discuss their plans for Ohtani and Yamamoto in the 2026 WBC, via Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:
“It was a great conversation,” Friedman said. “It was about just keeping open the lines of communication. We’re very supportive of Samurai Japan and all that they’re trying to accomplish. And they were very supportive of us. And it was about just keeping open the lines of communication. And the mutual respect and working together to help all sides.”
One of the biggest questions facing the Dodgers is whether Ohtani will handle two-way duties in the 2026 WBC or simply be limited to hitting.
Ohtani returned to the mound this past June after not pitching at all in 2024 while recovering from right elbow surgery.
The Dodgers took a methodical approach to building up Ohtani and fully stretched him out by the playoffs. He wound up logging 67.1 innings between the regular season and postseason.
As for Yamamoto, he set career highs in innings pitched (173.2) and starts (30) this past season. The right-hander capped off the Dodgers’ World Series run by earning wins in back-to-back elimination games on the road.
Dodgers hope Shohei Ohtani doesn’t pitch in 2026 WBC
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently relayed the organization is hopeful Ohtani only serves as a designated hitter for Samurai Japan.
“I’m hoping he doesn’t but I don’t know,” Roberts answered when asked if Ohtani will pitch in the 2026 WBC. “Shohei is very in tune with his body, but I would say probably the thought is he’s just going to hit. But I don’t know. I haven’t talked to Sho.”
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