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Ohtani to DH Only in WBC, Focuses on Pitching Return

1 Feb

Summary

Ohtani will be a designated hitter in the WBC, not pitch.
This decision allows him to focus on his pitching return.
Several other Dodgers players opted out of WBC participation.

Ohtani to DH Only in WBC, Focuses on Pitching Return

Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, instead focusing on his role as a designated hitter. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Saturday, February 1, 2026, that Ohtani's decision aims to allow him to fully ramp up his arm in preparation for the MLB season, following his second major elbow operation in 2023.

This decision was Ohtani's own, with the Dodgers organization supportive of his approach to preparing for a full two-way season in 2026. The team is also managing other players' participation, with Roki Sasaki's inclusion requested to be limited by the Dodgers. Teoscar Hernández, Miguel Rojas, and Freddie Freeman have all opted out of representing their respective countries in the tournament for various reasons, including personal issues and seeking a bounce-back season.

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