Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ dual-threat athlete, is unlikely to pitch for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next month. Despite completing his first fully healthy offseason following a second Tommy John surgery, both Ohtani and his team agreed it is wiser to preserve his arm for the demanding regular MLB season ahead. When asked about the possibility of pitching in the WBC final, recalling his strikeout of Mike Trout to secure Japan’s 2023 title, Ohtani responded playfully,
“If Trout comes out at the end, maybe.”
However, the pitching Ohtani will perform during the international tournament is expected to be limited to controlled practice sessions rather than competitive appearances.
Spring Training Progress and Live Batting Practice Outings
During a recent live batting practice in Phoenix, Ohtani pitched 33 pitches over two innings, facing several top hitters including Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. The Dodgers’ pitching coach, Mark Prior, shared that Ohtani is on track to complete two more live batting practice sessions during the WBC on his off-days. This structured approach aims to keep Ohtani aligned with the Dodgers’ plan to have him in their starting rotation from the season’s opening in late March, though he may not pitch in a regular spring training game until the final week.
“We’ve talked about it, had conversations with him, and kind of mapped out some tentative schedules, A lot of it will depend, as usual with him, on where he’s at, what are the logistics of everything (during the WBC) … But if we can get two more outings out of him, of him facing hitters, that would be ideal,”
Mark Prior, Dodgers pitching coach.
Increased Intensity Behind the Scenes This Spring
Coming into spring training fully healthy, Ohtani has incorporated a wider variety of pitches compared to last year, when he primarily relied on a fastball, slider, and sweeper after his recovery. According to Prior, the most notable improvement has been Ohtani’s ability to practice pitching with greater intensity during bullpen sessions and catch play. Last season, he remained very conservative with velocity and effort, but now he is able to push himself closer to his peak performance levels.
“Last year’s bullpens, from a velocity and intensity (standpoint), he was very conservative, I think now, he feels he’s far enough removed to where he’s been able to push it,”
Prior said.
Prior also observed Ohtani reach 99 mph on one of his final pitches in the latest live batting practice, underscoring the progress in his arm strength and conditioning.
“It’s been a good week for him, Obviously, he’s trying to compress a lot of stuff before he leaves,”
Prior added.
Challenges of Maintaining Pitching Readiness During the Tournament
After leaving spring training camp, Ohtani will fly to Japan to join Team Japan’s preparations. The group stage of the WBC consists of four games played over five days at Tokyo Dome from March 6-10. If Japan advances, Ohtani and his teammates will move to Miami for up to three additional games, including the final scheduled for March 17. This schedule leaves limited time for Ohtani to have many live pitching sessions, especially since each team during the WBC has narrow windows for practices.
Even if Ohtani completes his targeted practice outings, the tight tournament timeline means he may enter the MLB regular season slightly behind in his pitching buildup, potentially leading to abbreviated initial outings with the Dodgers. The team is prepared for this cautious approach.
Dodgers’ Long-Term Approach to Ohtani’s Two-Way Role
The Dodgers have patiently waited two years to have Ohtani available as a full-time two-way player, pitching and hitting consistently. The organization is encouraged by his progress this spring and is optimistic about his form as he continues his preparation. Ohtani’s ability to consider pitching hypotheticals, such as closing out a WBC final against Mike Trout, reflects his returning confidence and physical readiness.
“I do think, we’re seeing more of a regular version of him,”
Mark Prior observed.
Maintaining careful pitching preparation during the World Baseball Classic is crucial for Ohtani’s durability and performance during the MLB season, and the Dodgers’ cautious plan aims to balance his international commitment with long-term health.
