Yamamoto to Lead Japanese Rotation Against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic
MIAMI. — Star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been confirmed as the starter for the crucial matchup between Japan and Venezuela in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The game is scheduled for Saturday at loanDepot park in Miami. The announcement was made by the Japanese leader, Hirokazu Ibata, during a team training session. Ibata highlighted the importance of this decisive match, which will determine the pass to the semifinals of the tournament.Yamamoto already had a brief participation in the tournament, opening Japan’s first game against Chinese Taipei. In that match, he pitched 2.2 innings without allowing runs or hits, accumulating two strikeouts and three walks. Japan reaches this stage after an impeccable performance in the group stage, with a perfect 4-0 record. The team has demonstrated a solid combination of offense and collective pitching. Regarding the strategy for the game against Venezuela, the Japanese leader was also asked about the possibility of using Yusei Kikuchi as a reliever for Yamamoto, although he avoided giving details about the management of the bullpen.“There really is no limit. I think he’ll just go out and throw everything from the start. Of course, we hope he can work as deep into the game as possible,” the leader expressed.
Hirokazu Ibata
Japan, with one of the strongest rotations in the tournament, will look to rely on its ace on the mound to advance to the semifinals and continue defending its world title.“I haven’t thought about it yet after Yamamoto. It’s a quarter-final game and we’ll have to use all the pitchers we have available,” he indicated.
Hirokazu Ibata
