Ohtani’s World Baseball Classic Participation Uncertain

PHOENIX – On Sunday, Shohei Ohtani couldn’t help but smile at an intriguing question posed to him.

It’s clear that the Dodgers’ versatile star won’t be pitching for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Despite having a fully healthy offseason—his first since undergoing a second Tommy John surgery—he, along with the Dodgers’ management, has opted to save his arm for the grueling regular season ahead.

However, what if he were to close out another WBC title, much like he did in 2023 when he struck out Mike Trout?

“I don’t know,” Ohtani responded in Japanese, the playful smile still on his face. “Maybe if a trout shows up at the end.”

As much as fans would love to see him pitch, Ohtani is expected to focus on less glamorous tasks during the international competition, especially since Trout isn’t participating with Team USA this time around.

Earlier that Sunday, Ohtani threw 33 pitches during his second live batting practice session of the spring, which included striking out notable hitters like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. As he looks ahead to joining the Japanese team, the Dodgers’ pitching coach Mark Pryor hopes Ohtani can squeeze in two more live sessions on his off days during the WBC.

This arrangement could set him nicely for the Dodgers’ rotation when the regular season kicks off in late March, even if he doesn’t pitch until the final week of spring training.

“We discussed it and mapped out a tentative schedule,” Pryor explained. “Much will depend on his situation and how everything unfolds during the WBC… Two more hits against hitters would be ideal.”

So far, Ohtani’s preparations appear to be going smoothly.

Coming off a healthy offseason, he entered spring training eager to face batters immediately. He has also incorporated a fuller range of pitches compared to last year’s limited repertoire of fastballs, sliders, and sweepers after recovering from surgery.

Pryor noted that the real change has happened behind the scenes.

Ohtani managed to practice at a higher intensity during sessions, which was a shift from last year when he had to be cautious.

“Last year at this time, he was very conservative in terms of speed and strength,” Pryor recalled. “Now, he feels much more confident.”

At the end of that Sunday’s session, Pryor observed an uptick in Ohtani’s intensity. He even threw his last pitch at 99 mph.

“It was a strong week for him,” Pryor said. “He’s really trying to get a lot in before he leaves.”

Once Ohtani heads to the WBC, sticking to a tight schedule as a pitcher will get trickier. His journey includes flying to Japan to join the national team, with games scheduled at the Tokyo Dome from March 6 to 10. Should Japan progress, Ohtani would then travel to Miami for potential finals on March 17.

There’s likely to be little opportunity for live pitching times, given the limited practice slots. Even if he accomplishes his pitching goals, he may debut in the regular season not completely ready, leading to shorter appearances initially.

But the Dodgers remain focused on the bigger picture.

After two years of waiting to bring Ohtani on as a full-time two-way player, they continue to be impressed by his progress this spring. His ability to engage in hypothetical conversations hints at the promising shape he’s in.

“I think we’re going to see more of the normal version of him,” Pryor stated.