H1: WBC 2026: Japanese Ace Yamamoto Likely to Face Korea in Opener
Post by 247Sports News | Sports Journalist, Jimmy Lee
Meta Description: Get ready for a pitching duel! LA Dodgers’ ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto likely to start against Korea in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) opener. Find out what you need to know.
Article
Japan is gearing up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), and they’ve got their eyes set on a big first round. Japanese media reports suggest that LA Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is highly likely to start either the first or second game of the first round against Korea.
Did you know?
Japan faces Taiwan in their first game before taking on Korea in the next match. Their opponents later in the round are Australia and Czech Republic.
“Yamamoto is likely to start in the first or second game…” – Sankei Sports
Yamamoto’s Preparation
The right-hander is currently in Glendale, Arizona, USA, training alongside Japanese teammates Shohei Ohtani and Rocky Sakai of the LA Dodgers. Yamamoto has been honing his craft through bullpen sessions and his signature javelin throwing routine.
Yamamoto expressed his excitement to represent his country, saying, “I am relieved to be able to play under the Japanese flag again. I trained thoroughly this offseason to prepare for the WBC. I will unite with my great colleagues and trustworthy staff to aim for the championship.”
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Yamamoto’s unique bullpen routine, as it indicates his seriousness and determination for the tournament.
The Matchup
Both Yamamoto and Yusei Kikuchi (LA Angels) are in the mix for starting roles in the first two games. If Japan advances, they plan to use a rotation that includes both pitchers in the quarterfinals and semifinals as well.
The Prospect
Japan has a formidable task ahead, facing their toughest opponents, Taiwan and Korea, at the start of the round. They plan to use their aces sparingly against the lesser opponents later on, preserving Yamamoto and Kikuchi for deeper stages of the tournament.
Reader question: How will Korea fare against the powerful Japanese lineup, especially with Yamamoto on the mound?
“We are fortunate there’s a limit of 65 pitches in the first round of this WBC. The team facing Yamamoto cannot expect even a short-term match,” said a source, highlighting Yamamoto’s dominance on the big stage.
Korea’s Challenge
Should the Korean national team face Yamamoto, it could have a significant impact not only on their match against Japan but also on their most crucial game against Taiwan. Korea will play their first match against the Czech Republic on March 5, followed by Japan at 7 p.m. on the 7th and Taiwan at noon on the 8th.
Photos by Xports News DB / Yonhap News
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WBC 2026: Japanese Ace Yamamoto Likely to Face Korea in Opener
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