Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in WBC, says Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
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Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Japan in March's World Baseball Classic, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
However, when speaking to reporters at Saturday's Dodger Fest shortly before Roberts, Ohtani didn't rule out the possibility. He said the decision on whether or not to pitch would depend on "how my body feels." But he intended to be ready to pitch for the Dodgers when the 2026 season begins.
Shohei Ohtani said he will be ready to pitch from the outset during the regular season. As far as the WBC is concerned, said it’s up to “how my body feels” and that no matter what he will be fully ready to DH for Japan.— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) January 31, 2026
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Roughly an hour later, Roberts announced Ohtani would not pitch in the WBC, saying that it was the two-way star's decision.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the WBC, adding that it was Ohtani’s decision.— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) January 31, 2026
Something apparently changed with the message of Ohtani's intentions. Yet it may have literally been a matter of translation. It was Ohtani's translator, Will Ireton, who conveyed to reporters that the superstar wasn't sure about pitching in the WBC, as pointed out by the California Post's Michael Duarte.
This story will be updated.
