Yoshinobu Yamamoto has begun his spring training with live pitching and batting practice and is confirmed as Japan’s starting pitcher for the first game of the Classic Series.

Japanese media report that Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the ace pitcher of Japan’s Samurai team for the 2026 Sixth World Baseball Classic, is confirmed as the starting pitcher on March 6th against Chinese Taipei, Beijing time.

The reports state that from the Tokyo Olympics, WBC to world championships, Japan has often assigned the first game pitching duty to Yamamoto. In high-pressure, tense matches, he is the best choice. When announcing the roster, Japan firmly declared: “Our goal is first place.”

On February 8th, Yamamoto joined the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training camp in Arizona and has been progressing smoothly. From his pre-training self-practice, his lower body is stronger than last year. Whether throwing long passes or fielding, his throws are powerful. Team officials were surprised, saying: “His physique, especially his lower body, has become much stronger.” Yamamoto himself said: “I focused on strengthening my body solidly during the offseason to prepare for the Classic.”

Recently, head coach Dave Roberts revealed Yamamoto’s planned schedule: he will have live batting practice on the first day of spring training, pitch in two warm-up games to tune up, and then join the Japanese team in Osaka in early March. He will not pitch in Japan’s warm-up games but will appear directly in the official matches.

During his first training session with Dodgers catchers and pitchers, Yamamoto conducted live batting practice, reaching a top speed of about 94 mph (approximately 151 km/h). He threw 20 pitches to catcher Will Smith and Korean infielder Kim Hye-seong, using four-seam fastballs, sinkers, curveballs, cutters, and splitters. He recorded two strikeouts and one walk, with two weak fly balls to right field. The two strikeouts included striking out Smith looking on an outside fastball and Kim swinging through a splitter. Last year his average fastball velocity was 95.4 mph; today’s top speed was about 94 mph, still in adjustment. Watching nearby, teammate Shohei Ohtani praised Yamamoto’s form: “He’s in great shape, his velocity is gradually increasing, and his control is very good. From Smith’s reaction, the pitch’s effectiveness is also solid.”

Yamamoto’s live pitching and batting training attracted two other Japanese teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, who watched from behind home plate. Compared to Ohtani’s stylish single-knee kneel, Sasaki was seen watching on both knees. As Dodgers teammates but Classic opponents, Korean hitter Kim Hye-seong faced Yamamoto at the plate and hit a line drive single to right field, as shown in released footage.

Shohei Ohtani, who is not expected to pitch in the Classic, threw his third bullpen session that day. He commented that the overall intensity was good and his adjustments are going smoothly.