As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, Shohei Ohtani will play a limited role for Team Japan, appearing primarily as a designated hitter while skipping pitching duties.
The Dodgers, intent on maximizing the reigning MVP’s health and availability, are prioritizing his long-term durability over early exhibition innings.
Ohtani did squeeze in a live bullpen session on Sunday, throwing roughly two innings, according to Jack Harris of the California Post.
Radar readings from the session indicate he is ramping up velocity and appears ready to handle a full season workload, giving Dodgers fans a glimpse of what to expect when he returns to the mound for regular-season action.
Despite the bullpen work, Ohtani is unlikely to pitch during spring training games.
The Dodgers are carefully managing his arm, mindful of his injury history and the need to avoid overtaxing him ahead of the season. Limiting his appearances ensures he can contribute both as a pitcher and a hitter when the stakes are highest.
Los Angeles’ investment in Ohtani—$700 million over several years—reflects their desire to utilize the full two-way player, combining elite pitching and power hitting.
Maintaining his health for a full season is central to the team’s championship ambitions, especially as they aim for sustained success in the National League and postseason.
Ohtani’s Pitching Performance
During the 2025 season, Ohtani returned to the mound for the first time since 2023, starting 14 games. Over 47 innings, he recorded a 2.87 ERA and a 62/9 strikeout-to-walk ratio, demonstrating that he remains a potent force despite limited innings.
While his overall workload was modest, the quality of his pitching highlighted his ability to dominate hitters when fully healthy.
The Dodgers plan to expand that workload in 2026, now two years removed from shoulder surgery.
By carefully ramping him up, they hope to maximize Ohtani’s contributions without risking setbacks, allowing him to anchor the rotation over a full season.
A durable Ohtani in both pitching and hitting roles could make Los Angeles one of the most formidable teams in baseball.
Ohtani’s strategic absence from pitching duties in the WBC will have implications for Team Japan’s rotation, which will need to compensate for his absence on the mound.
However, the team benefits from having one of the sport’s premier hitters in the lineup, providing both protection and run production even without his pitching contributions.
For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s long-term health and performance are the priority. The organization envisions him as a key figure in their rotation throughout the season, with his bat offering a constant threat in the lineup while his arm is carefully managed.
Balancing Two-Way Responsibilities
Ohtani’s unique skill set as a two-way player presents both opportunity and challenge.
Managing his pitching and hitting workload requires careful coordination between the Dodgers’ coaching staff, medical team, and Team Japan officials. The goal is to allow him to compete at the highest level while minimizing risk.
By skipping spring training games on the mound, Ohtani reduces unnecessary innings while still maintaining readiness through bullpen sessions.
This approach is designed to build endurance gradually, ensuring he can handle a full regular-season rotation without regression or injury.
The Dodgers’ investment in Ohtani is a reflection of the strategic value of a two-way star. His presence in both roles adds flexibility and depth to the roster, creating matchup challenges for opponents and increasing overall offensive and pitching efficiency.
Ohtani’s cautious approach may frustrate fans hoping to see early-season highlights, but the long-term payoff is clear: a healthier, more effective player capable of contributing in multiple ways throughout a demanding MLB season.
Implications for the 2026 Season
As the Dodgers prepare for 2026, Ohtani is expected to be a centerpiece of both the pitching rotation and the batting order. Maintaining his arm while allowing him to hit in the WBC ensures that he arrives at Opening Day ready for full-season duties.
For Team Japan, his presence as a hitter still adds tremendous value, even if he is absent from the mound. Opposing pitchers must navigate one of the game’s most feared bats, keeping defenses on edge and enhancing Japan’s offensive strategy.
For Los Angeles, the strategy is simple: preserve Ohtani now to unleash him later. By managing innings and gradually increasing his workload, the Dodgers hope to sustain elite performance and position themselves as a contender deep into the postseason.
Ohtani’s careful ramp-up underscores the challenges and rewards of managing a two-way superstar. When he does return to pitching full time, his combination of elite velocity, command, and power hitting could make him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
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