Shohei Ohtani shares honest take on Japan’s young pitchers during WBC while quietly working on his return

Shohei Ohtani continues to play an important role for Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but the superstar has made it clear that his focus during the tournament is slightly different this time. While helping the team offensively, the Los Angeles Dodgers star is also quietly preparing for his return to the mound ahead of the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

Even though fans still remember his dramatic pitching performance in the 2023 WBC final, Ohtani is not expected to pitch in games during this year’s tournament. Instead, he believes Japan’s pitching staff has the talent and depth needed to lead the team forward without him taking the mound.

Shohei Ohtani explains why he trusts Japan’s young pitchers in the tournament

Ohtani said he has strong confidence in Japan’s pitching staff and believes the tournament offers an important opportunity for younger pitchers to prove themselves on the international stage. Several pitchers on the roster have already delivered solid performances earlier in the competition, giving the team momentum as the tournament moves toward the knockout rounds.

"I have no feelings of dissatisfaction regarding not being able to pitch in the WBC," Ohtani said. "I want to do the job that I can do. Even without me pitching, Team Japan has wonderful pitchers."

The decision not to pitch in tournament games was made after discussions between Ohtani and the Dodgers. The organization wants to carefully manage his workload as he prepares for a full MLB season that could again feature both pitching and hitting duties. Ohtani also acknowledged that baseball can sometimes bring unexpected situations, even in a carefully planned tournament.

"Saying the possibility of pitching is absolutely zero is not something I want to say about anything," Ohtani said. "But under the current circumstances, I don't think it will happen."

Shohei Ohtani shows pitching progress with seven strikeouts during WBC live batting practice

Even though he will not pitch in games, Ohtani continues to work on his pitching routine during the tournament. During a team workout at loanDepot park, he faced Samurai Japan hitters in a live batting practice session that gave teammates and coaches a clear look at his progress.

The two way star threw four innings and delivered 59 pitches during the session. He faced 18 hitters and recorded seven strikeouts, showing sharp command as he gradually builds strength for the MLB season.

"I've been proceeding with my own adjustments as a pitcher in parallel with the tournament," Ohtani said in Japanese after the session. "I think it produced good results in both volume and quality. So I feel that I'm preparing well for the new season."

"As of now, playing as a pitcher in the WBC is not happening," Ohtani said. "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."

For now, Ohtani’s role remains clear. He will continue helping Japan with his bat while steadily preparing for his pitching return when the Dodgers begin their new MLB season.