Shohei Ohtani’s Role in WBC Revealed: Dodgers Manager Recommends Participating Solely as a Hitter

Shohei Ohtani, who has confirmed his participation in next March’s World Baseball Classic (WBC), is gradually having his specific role defined. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated today (the 5th) on Japan’s ABEMA TV program that Ohtani is expected “not to pitch in game situations” during the tournament, with the team advising him to participate only as a designated hitter.

Roberts pointed out that if Ohtani competes solely as a designated hitter, it will not negatively affect his preparation for the new season. He explained, “Ohtani will throw bullpen sessions while with Team Japan, but he likely won’t pitch in actual games.” The Dodgers want Ohtani to maintain his hitting rhythm through competition, while his pitching adjustments will be systematically handled during the team’s spring training.

Since the 2026 season will be Ohtani’s first full campaign with the Dodgers as a healthy pitcher, the organization is being especially cautious. Roberts mentioned that in-game pitching will be reserved for the Dodgers’ spring training, with the main focus during the WBC being to keep his bullpen feel and hitting form sharp. After the Classic, Ohtani will return to the team’s training program to gradually readjust both pitching and hitting through game action, all under close supervision by the organization to prepare for the two-way role in the new season.

Ohtani announced his participation on social media on November 25, noting that his exact role was still undecided and that he must prepare for both “pitching and non-pitching scenarios.” Roberts emphasized that the final decision will respect Ohtani’s wishes and believes his involvement will add great appeal to the tournament, saying, “This is wonderful for the WBC, Team Japan, and Ohtani himself.”

However, from the team’s perspective, Roberts still prefers Ohtani to focus on his role as a position player. He admitted, “I have no objection if he only plays as a designated hitter. Ohtani will mostly make adjustments in the bullpen and won’t pitch in games.” The Dodgers’ top priority remains Ohtani’s health, ensuring he enters the new season in peak condition.