As spring training approaches, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed one of the most anticipated questions surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s workload in 2026, confirming that the superstar will not pitch for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic this March.

Roberts shared the update with reporters during Saturday’s annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium, emphasizing that the decision ultimately belonged to Ohtani.

According to the Dodgers’ skipper, the organization would have supported Ohtani if he had chosen to pitch in the international tournament, but the two-way star opted against it as he continues his return to full pitching form.

Ohtani previously stated in November that he intended to participate in the World Baseball Classic, though he stopped short of confirming whether he would take the mound.

When Team Japan officially announced its roster earlier this week, manager Hirokazu Ibata also declined to clarify Ohtani’s pitching role, noting that the team would have a better understanding once spring training began.

Before Roberts spoke at DodgerFest, Ohtani addressed reporters himself and acknowledged that pitching in the WBC was still uncertain at that time, explaining that his status would depend on how his body responded as he ramped up throwing in the coming weeks.

He added that the expectation entering the season was for him to pitch without restrictions for the Dodgers, signaling confidence in his recovery process.

Ohtani’s history with the World Baseball Classic is unforgettable. In the 2023 tournament, he delivered one of the most dominant performances in WBC history, batting .435 while posting a 1.86 ERA on the mound.

He was named tournament MVP after leading Japan to the championship, highlighted by his iconic strikeout of then–Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout to secure the final out.

That triumph, however, was followed by adversity. Just five months later, Ohtani exited a start against the Cincinnati Reds, an outing that ultimately revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

He underwent the second Tommy John surgery of his career in September and did not return to pitching until June of last season with the Dodgers.

While Ohtani will not pitch in WBC games, he and fellow Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto are still expected to join Team Japan for exhibition contests on March 2.

Japan is scheduled to open World Baseball Classic play on March 6 against Taiwan, with Ohtani set to contribute as a hitter while prioritizing his long-term health heading into the MLB season.

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