Shohei Ohtani Focuses on Pitching for the MLB Season
Miami – Japanese star Shohei Ohtani continues his preparation as a pitcher for the upcoming Major League Baseball season, although he has confirmed that he will not pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Los Angeles Dodgers player participated in a four-inning live pitching practice session on Thursday. He faced batters from the Japan national team at loanDepot park in Miami, during training before the quarter-final match against Venezuela. Ohtani threw 59 pitches, facing 18 batters and striking out seven, as part of his preparation to return to the mound with the Dodgers on March 26.Despite working as a pitcher during training, Ohtani clarified that his role in the Classic will be limited to offense. This decision also responds to an agreement with the Dodgers, to whom Ohtani wants to show respect as he prepares for his first full season as a two-way player with the team.I have been progressing with my own adjustments as a pitcher while participating in the tournament. I think I got good results in both volume and quality and I feel like I am preparing well for the new season.
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani explained that the only possibility of changing that plan would be an emergency situation within Japan’s pitching staff, although he made it clear that it is not something planned. The Japanese star comes from pitching 67.1 innings last season between the regular season and postseason with the Dodgers, recording an ERA of 3.34 and 90 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Japan will continue its path in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with Ohtani as a key player in the offense of the Asian team in the elimination phase of the tournament.For now, pitching in the Classic is not going to happen. It’s also a promise made to the Dodgers. The best thing is to contribute to the team from the offense.
Shohei Ohtani
