Shohei Ohtani to Play Cactus League Games, Pitch Sunday Before WBC

Shohei Ohtani is slated to play a couple of Cactus League games for the Los Angeles Dodgers before joining Team Japan for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He was in the lineup leading off as the designated hitter for Saturday's spring training opener against the Angels, expected for two or three at-bats. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani is also scheduled to pitch against live hitting Sunday. Roberts noted the 31-year-old two-way star should be in Cy Young Award contention this season. His exact departure date for Team Japan remains unconfirmed by Ohtani.