Is Yoshinobu Yamamoto's participation for Team Japan still uncertain? Dodgers' GM says, "It's too early to tell."

The World Baseball Classic next March has spotlighted the defending champion Samurai Japan's lineup. Out of the three Japanese players on the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers, only Shohei Ohtani has publicly confirmed his participation through social media, with no official statements from the other two yet. Meanwhile, differing news about Yoshinobu Yamamoto's status has surfaced. Japanese media claim the Dodgers have approved Yamamoto’s participation, but when foreign media questioned Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes, he candidly said, "It's still too early to say!"

On December 12, Japanese outlet Chunichi Sports reported that Dodgers' Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been confirmed to represent Japan in the Classic, respecting the player's wishes. However, Roki Sasaki was placed on the 60-day injured list this year, and according to team policy, he will not be released to play. Previously, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his personal desire that neither player participate in the Classic and also preferred that Shohei Ohtani not pitch during the tournament.

There has been no official confirmation yet on whether Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki will take part. According to the Orange County Register, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes stated that the team has not made a final decision. "There are still some necessary procedures to discuss with MLB and the players' union, and those discussions are ongoing. So based on what I know now, those reports are premature." The team is also still deliberating on whether Shohei Ohtani will pitch in the Classic.