The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t plan to let Shohei Ohtani pitch in a spring training game, but World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto will, according to manager Dave Roberts.
As reported by Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Ohtani isn’t expected to face any opponents on the mound in the Cactus League before he departs to join the Japanese squad ahead of the World Baseball Classic.
He’s joining his home country’s team in a hitting, but not pitching, capacity.
Yamamoto, though, stands a good chance at taking the mound before his departure, Roberts said.
Both Ohtani and Yamamoto are also expected to throw live batting practice to their teammates on Tuesday.
When Will Stars Leave for the WBC?
When exactly that departure will be remains to be seen.
According to Ayako Oikawa of MLB.com, the Japanese squad is already in training camp, a period expected to last through Feb. 24, and will begin the Samurai Japan Series on Feb. 27.
MLB players should be there in time to play exhibition games in Osaka on March 2.
When asked about the plan for Ohtani’s pitching, Roberts expressed confidence that the team will get their two-way star ready for the season before he leaves.
“I don’t know when he’s going to leave us to join Team Japan, but there’s still gonna be ample time for him to get his progression here with us,” Roberts said. “To then, I’m sure Mark will be talking to the pitching coach over there and kind of, you know, stick to our plan and we’ll be in lockstep.”
Which Dodgers Are Playing in the World Baseball Classic?
Ohtani and Yamamoto are far from the only Dodgers players to represent their country in the WBC, though no other country can boast having two Dodgers on their roster.
Seven other teams will have one Dodger each on their roster.
Other players who had hoped to play, however, are being held out of the WBC due to insurance issues.
One such player is Miguel Rojas, who’d hoped to play for Team Venezuela.
