Team Samurai Japan rolled into the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. 

Sweeping their way out of pool play, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto has spearheaded Samurai Japan's starting rotation. 

Heading into the knockout rounds, Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata confirmed Japan's opening starter for their hunt for another world title. 

As expected, Yamamoto will take the reins for Samurai Japan on Saturday as they face Venezuela in the first round. 

The 2025 World Series MVP has made one start thus far for Samurai Japan, which was all the way back in the pool opener against Chinese Taipei. 

He tossed 2 2/3 innings, allowing no runs and hits while striking out two. The command was spotty, giving away three free passes, but the swing and miss stuff was still prominent.

He was unable to go the intended three innings that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated before Pool play began. Despite not going the distance, signs all pointed to Yamamoto being ready for Opening Day. 

Now, with a Game 7 atmosphere from here on out, Samurai Japan will just have the services of Yamamoto for one game only.

According to Roberts, he stated to the media that his Saturday quarterfinals start against Venezuela will be his last start of the WBC.

It was also reported that Yamamoto would leave immediately after that game to join the Dodgers back in camp, but the report was later retracted. 

After the conclusion of his start, he will stay with Samurai Japan for the remainder of the tournament. 

Ibata stated to the media after Samurai Japan's first team workout in Miami that he hopes Yamamoto can pitch deep in the Venezuela game.  

Yamamoto took his reps during Samurai Japan's team workout as he was throwing long toss in the outfield of loanDepot Park. 

Alongside him, Shohei Ohtani threw his first live bullpen session in a Samurai Japan uniform.  

Ohtani said after the workout that the percentage of him pitching is not completely zero.  

He would only pitch if Samurai Japan takes a hit on the pitching staff, but with pitching depth on their side, that should not be a problem. 

In the case of Yamamoto, his start against Venezuela will most likely act as his final start before Opening Day in just 13 days. 

There is a possibility that he could start one more Cactus League game before the season kicks off, but there is no telling at the moment. 

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