Ohtani Focuses on Dodgers Prep, Not WBC Pitching

Shohei Ohtani throws live BP for Japan but will not pitch in World Baseball Classic

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:04pm

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Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is preparing for the 2026 MLB season by throwing a live batting practice session against his Japanese national team teammates during the World Baseball Classic. However, Ohtani has confirmed he will not pitch in the tournament, honoring an agreement with the Dodgers to focus on his hitting and avoid the high-intensity WBC games as he returns from elbow surgery.

Why it matters

Ohtani's decision not to pitch in the WBC highlights the delicate balance between representing one's national team and prioritizing one's MLB club. As a two-way player, Ohtani's health and workload are crucial considerations, and the Dodgers have worked closely with him to manage his usage and ensure he is ready for the upcoming MLB season.

The details

Ohtani threw 59 pitches and faced 18 hitters in the live BP session, recording 7 strikeouts. He said the session was part of his preparation to be ready to pitch for the Dodgers when their regular season starts on March 26, even though he's away from Spring Training for the Classic. Ohtani made 14 starts for the Dodgers in the regular season and 4 more in the postseason after his return to pitching last June 16, pitching a total of 67 1/3 innings with a 3.34 ERA and 90 strikeouts.

  • Ohtani threw the live BP session on Thursday during the team's workout day ahead of its Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela on Saturday, March 18.
  • Ohtani's regular season with the Dodgers is set to begin on March 26.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is preparing for the 2026 MLB season by throwing live batting practice against his Japanese national team teammates during the World Baseball Classic, but has confirmed he will not pitch in the tournament.

Team Japan

The Japanese national baseball team, also known as the Samurai Japan, that is competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The MLB team that Ohtani plays for, and with whom he has an agreement to focus on his hitting and avoid pitching in the high-intensity WBC games as he returns from elbow surgery.

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What they’re saying

“I've been proceeding with my own adjustments as a pitcher in parallel with the tournament. I think it produced good results in both volume and quality. So I feel that I'm preparing well for the new season.”

— Shohei Ohtani

“As of now, playing as a pitcher in the WBC is not happening. That is also a promise made with the [Dodgers], and there's a part of it that feels like it's about showing sincerity toward the organization that willingly sent me off. I think it's best to first contribute solidly on the offensive side.”

— Shohei Ohtani

What’s next

Ohtani will continue his preparation to be ready to pitch for the Dodgers when their regular season starts on March 26, even though he is away from Spring Training for the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Ohtani's decision not to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, despite Japan's advancement to the knockout rounds, demonstrates his commitment to the Dodgers organization and his focus on being fully prepared for the upcoming MLB season after his return from elbow surgery.