Ohtani Prepares for WBC, Dodgers Eye Repeat as Champs

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to play a pair of Cactus League games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, defending World Series champions for the second straight year, before leaving to join Japan for the World Baseball Classic.

Ohtani’s Spring Training Schedule

Ohtani was in the lineup as a leadoff hitter and designated hitter, scheduled to take two or three at-bats in the club’s spring training opener Saturday afternoon against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager Sometimes he takes two and feels good or wants that third at-bat.

Ohtani is scheduled to pitch against live hitters on Sunday — and Roberts has already said the 31-year-old dual-feature star should be in the Cy Young Award conversation this season.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager I know it’ll be soon. He’s going to play a couple of Cactus League games, but I’m not exactly sure when his plane ticket is. He hasn’t said. So I don’t know what day he’s going to join the Japan team.

Yamamoto Also Heads to WBC

right-hander and reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto was set to start on the mound to pitch two innings and about 35 pitches in his only appearance with the Dodgers before he too joins the Japanese team for the WBC.

Roberts indicated Yamamoto will ramp up his preparation for Team Japan.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager Obviously going in and pitching for Team Japan, he’s going to be trying to pick up the pace and get ready, so I think it’s more about doing what he does.

Upon Yamamoto’s return to Dodgers camp, he will initially be scheduled for around four innings and 60 pitches.

Yamamoto’s Impressive Postseason

Yamamoto, 27, signed a 12-year, $325 million contract in December 2023. He went 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA in the Dodgers’ seven-game World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Yamamoto struck out 15 and walked two in 17 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on 10 hits. He and Randy Johnson are the only pitchers since 1969 to win three games in the same World Series.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager I think I’m confident because there’s no exact science about picking up the pace early and being successful. Or being methodical and not participating for that to translate into success during the season. There’s just no exact science. I think for me and for all of us, it’s about believing in the player, knowing that he knows what it takes to be ready for a season and that he takes care of himself. So, for me, it’s an easy way to think about it and take it in: believe in him, trust him.

As the Dodgers prepare for another championship run, the focus remains on managing workloads and trusting their star players to prepare themselves for the long season ahead. The team’s confidence in Ohtani and Yamamoto is evident, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season.