Dodgers Manager Shuts Down Shohei Ohtani Pitching in World Baseball Classic

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed two-way star Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

BREAKING: Dave Roberts said that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the WBC. Shohei didn't completely shut down the idea earlier.

— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) January 31, 2026

Roberts said it was Ohtani’s decision not to pitch in the tournament, but the Dodgers would have allowed him to do so if he wanted.

Ohtani previously said he was uncertain about pitching in the WBC.

“In terms of the World Baseball Classic, I just have to see how my body feels and see what happens,” Ohtani said at DodgerFest Saturday.

Now, it appears Ohtani will solely serve as Team Japan’s designated hitter in March.

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Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks at manager Dave Roberts as he walks to the pitchers mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

This story will be updated…

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