LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar, confirmed his readiness to serve as a full two-way player when the MLB season opens. However, the four-time MVP will focus solely on hitting for Team Japan in next month’s World Baseball Classic, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced. Roberts explained that Ohtani needs to build up his arm strength ahead of the regular season.
Ohtani’s Preparation and Decision
Ohtani remained undecided about his two-way role in the WBC until recently, stating that his physical condition would guide the choice. Regardless, he committed to being fully prepared as a designated hitter. Through his interpreter, Will Ireton, Ohtani emphasized his dedication to the role.
This upcoming season marks Ohtani’s first full year pitching since his second major elbow surgery in 2023. Roberts stressed that the decision to limit Ohtani to hitting in the WBC was entirely his own, though the team would have supported him pitching if desired. “Understanding his recovery from last year and the best way to prepare for both roles in 2026, this choice makes sense,” Roberts noted.
Dodgers’ Approach to Ohtani’s Role
The Dodgers’ management of Ohtani will continue to draw attention throughout the year. Last summer, the team opted for an unconventional ramp-up in major-league games rather than minor-league rehab. Ohtani pitched 47 innings in the regular season and 20 1/3 in the postseason of 2025, including a start on short rest in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
With Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki all preferring extra rest between starts, the Dodgers plan a hybrid pitching schedule. Given Ohtani’s value as a hitter, the team may provide additional rest days or skip starts if needed. Still, Roberts indicated that Ohtani will pitch like any other starter on his scheduled days, without the protective measures from last season.
Reduced WBC Absences for Dodgers
The Dodgers face fewer absences due to the WBC than initially expected. The team requested that Roki Sasaki sit out, which he confirmed in an interview on AM 570, citing his injured list time last season. Teoscar Hernández announced earlier this winter that he would skip representing the Dominican Republic to focus on rebounding.
Miguel Rojas reiterated his decision not to play for Venezuela, criticizing the tournament’s insurance coverage despite team approval. “I can still compete in the majors with the Dodgers,” Rojas said. “Why can’t I represent my country?”
Freddie Freeman also opted out of playing for Team Canada due to personal matters. “Being in Puerto Rico for pool games would keep me too far from family,” Freeman explained. “I need to stay close to California—it’s personal.”
The confirmed WBC participants from the Dodgers include Ohtani and Yamamoto for Japan, Hyeseong Kim for Korea, Will Smith for the United States, and the recently retired Clayton Kershaw for the U.S.
