Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers is unlikely to pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers is unlikely to pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani concluded spring training camp with a cautionary label as the Dodgers' two-way star dedicates his skills to assisting Japan in securing a fourth World Baseball Classic title. Well, most of his skills, at least.

Ohtani's forthcoming step in his journey to becoming a full-time two-way player this season does not involve pitching for his home country next month in the WBC.

"Given his recent surgery and the previous year he had, pitching through October, the quick turnaround at such an intense level post-surgery is a concern," stated Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations. "Moreover, we aim to play through October this year, with Shohei being a significant contributor on the mound. Coupled with his desire to pitch for the next eight years, and our wish for him to do so, we are being very cautious about all these factors." He continued, "We had a discussion with him, and he comprehended the situation. The competitor within him may not appreciate it, but he understood."

Ohtani mentioned in a somewhat candid manner that he cannot guarantee that his competitive spirit won't ignite in the heat of the moment. A particular hypothetical scenario crossed his mind when asked about the possibility of taking the mound for an inning or even facing one batter.

"It's difficult to say," Ohtani conveyed through interpreter Will Ireton, "but if (Mike) Trout appears, it becomes tempting."

Trout, a close friend and former Los Angeles Angels teammate of Ohtani, will not be in uniform for the U.S. team in March. This implies that there will be no repeat of the 2023 final-out confrontation where Ohtani was on the mound and struck out Trout in a critical moment, a situation the Dodgers hope their esteemed four-time MVP can avoid this time.

Ohtani, who missed only four games in 2025 and participated in all but three in 2024, has collaborated with the Dodgers to moderate some of his dual-position ramp-up this spring. He has also appeared in 33 playoff games during his two seasons with the Dodgers. Although he did not pitch in 2024 following Tommy John surgery, he managed to throw 47 innings across 14 appearances last season.

To get prepared for a bigger role as a pitcher in 2026, Ohtani will throw some live batting practice sessions and simulated games while away from the Dodgers at the WBC.

"I'll do everything in my power to make sure the quality and the volume are in a good place," Ohtani said. "With the limited opportunities I do have, being in a live situation, I just have to do the best I can in those situations."