On February 22 at Camelback Ranch, all eyes were on Shohei Ohtani as he threw live pitches during a simulated inning session, reaching speeds up to 99 mph. This was only Ohtani’s second time facing live hitters this spring before heading to Japan to join the World Baseball Classic competition. Despite his readiness, Ohtani will not be pitching in the WBC tournament itself, a decision made to safeguard his long-term health and the Dodgers’ future success.
Dodgers Prioritize Ohtani’s Longevity Over WBC Pitching
The Dodgers have decided against allowing Ohtani to pitch in the WBC, focusing on protecting the unique edge he provides their team. This cautious approach stems from the fact that Ohtani recently underwent surgery and has been pitching extensively through the previous October. Los Angeles views this as a strategic investment to keep him viable for many seasons ahead, rather than risking injury in the high-intensity, quick turnaround environment of the international event.
Ohtani’s Approach to Pitching During the Tournament
Shohei Ohtani described his pitching plan during the WBC as “fluid,” indicating he intends to maintain both the quantity and quality of his bullpen sessions and live pitching. He emphasized how seriously he is treating these preparations despite the added pressure of international competition. Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admits uncertainty about how Ohtani will ramp up his workload after Japan’s tournament run, which remains unpredictable depending on how far Team Japan advances.
Team Leadership Reflects on the Risk and Reward of WBC Participation
Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman clarified the rationale behind the team’s cautious approach, stating that after pitching so much last season, including through October, it is not wise for Ohtani to push himself in March’s tournament intensity. Friedman expressed confidence that Ohtani will start the opening game for the Dodgers this season, underscoring that this restraint is meant to ensure his availability and effectiveness throughout the regular season and beyond.
Ohtani Lightens the Mood with a Playful Comment
Despite the tension surrounding his pitching decisions, Ohtani injected humor into the situation. When asked if he would consider pitching in the ninth inning of a gold medal game, especially for a high-stakes moment, he responded with a smile,
“Hard to say. But if (Mike) Trout shows up, it’s tempting.”
This joke playfully recalls the memorable moments from the 2023 season finale and reassures fans that Ohtani’s competitive spirit remains intact despite the restrictions.
The Bigger Picture for Ohtani and the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ decision to limit Ohtani’s pitching in the WBC highlights the balancing act between immediate glory and long-term career preservation. While fans and the team hope for a deep run in the international tournament, the priority remains ensuring that Ohtani stays healthy and ready to contribute throughout the MLB season. How Japan performs in the WBC will influence Ohtani’s workload adjustment upon his return, but the Dodgers’ focus is clear: they want to maintain the pitcher’s unique advantage for years to come, not merely for one moment in March.
