Dodgers Players Return From 2026 World Baseball Classic

Several key Dodgers players are back with the team after being eliminated from the 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:25pm

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A number of Los Angeles Dodgers players have returned to Camelback Ranch after being eliminated from the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This includes Edwin Díaz, Kiké Hernández, Hyeseong Kim, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers will now work to reintegrate these players back into their spring training schedule as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.

Why it matters

The Dodgers had strong representation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with several key players suiting up for their national teams. Their early elimination means the Dodgers can now focus on getting these players ready for the start of the regular season, but also raises questions about their performance and potential injuries from the tournament.

The details

Edwin Díaz returned after Puerto Rico was eliminated, Kiké Hernández was unable to play due to injury recovery but joined the team, Hyeseong Kim missed Korea's final game due to a hand injury, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were part of Japan's squad that was upset by Venezuela.

  • The 2026 WBC championship game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19.
  • Puerto Rico was eliminated on Saturday, March 16.
  • Korea was eliminated on Friday, March 15.
  • Japan was eliminated on Saturday, March 16.

The players

Edwin Díaz

Dodgers relief pitcher who played for Puerto Rico in the 2026 WBC.

Kiké Hernández

Dodgers utility player who was unable to play for Puerto Rico due to injury recovery.

Hyeseong Kim

Dodgers infielder who played for Korea in the 2026 WBC.

Shohei Ohtani

Dodgers two-way player who played as a designated hitter for Japan in the 2026 WBC.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Dodgers pitcher who played for Japan in the 2026 WBC.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Dodgers will need to decide if or when Yamamoto pitches again during the spring, as he could conceivably do so on March 21 and then start Opening Day on regular rest.

The takeaway

The early elimination of several key Dodgers players from the 2026 World Baseball Classic means the team can now focus on getting them fully integrated back into spring training and prepared for the start of the regular season. However, the performance and potential injuries of these players during the tournament will be something the Dodgers will need to monitor closely.