Ohtani to Focus on Batting in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Japanese star Shohei Ohtani has confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. However, fans will not see him pitch in this edition of the tournament, according to Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This decision is part of the player’s recovery plan, who underwent a second surgery on his right elbow in 2023. The main objective is for Ohtani to arrive in optimal condition at the start of the Major League Baseball regular season.
Ohtani returned to the mound last June, demonstrating outstanding performance with an ERA of 2.87 in 47 innings, accumulating 62 strikeouts and only nine walks. In addition, he debuted as a pitcher in the postseason, leaving a record of 2-1, with an ERA of 4.43 and 28 strikeouts in four starts.
Although he won’t pitch in the Classic, Ohtani is expected to have a significant impact as a hitter, a role in which he will seek to contribute crucially to the Japanese team in defending their title.
The player left an indelible mark on the 2023 edition, securing the championship for Japan by striking out Mike Trout in the final at-bat of the final game.
According to the technical body, Ohtani is confident of being fully recovered to pitch at the start of the MLB regular season, prioritizing his long-term health.
