Shohei Ohtani to Serve as Designated Hitter for Japan in WBC

Shohei Ohtani will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Team Japan but will not pitch, focusing exclusively on his role as a designated hitter. The decision, announced at DodgerFest in January, is intended to manage his workload ahead of the Dodgers' March 26 opener. Ohtani, who aims to compete for a Cy Young Award this season, is prioritizing health and preparation to ensure he can throw more innings throughout the full 2026 MLB season.