Ohtani Prepares for World Baseball Classic with Limited Dodgers Spring Training Appearances
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Shohei Ohtani is carefully calibrating his preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), participating in a limited number of Cactus League games with the Los Angeles Dodgers before joining Team Japan. The two-time World Series champions are managing the workload of their star player as he transitions into the international tournament, prioritizing his health and readiness for both club and country. Ohtani, who is recovering from a recent elbow surgery, played his first spring training game on Saturday, February 22, 2026, against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium, signaling the start of a carefully planned buildup. This approach underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to a long-term strategy for Ohtani, recognizing his unique value as a two-way player.
Leading off as the designated hitter, Ohtani went 1 for 3 in his debut, recording an infield single, a groundout, and a strikeout. The Dodgers secured a decisive 9-0 victory over their crosstown rivals. The game provided a first glimpse of Ohtani in a Dodgers uniform in game action, offering fans a preview of what to expect this season. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of these early spring appearances, stating, “Sometimes he takes two and he feels great, or he wants that third at-bat.” Roberts acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s departure date for Japan, noting, “I know that it’s going to be soon. He’s going to play in a couple Cactus League games, but I’m not exactly sure when his plane ticket is. He hasn’t said.”
Balancing Spring Training and International Duty
The Dodgers are navigating a delicate balance between preparing Ohtani for the Major League Baseball season and allowing him to represent Japan in the prestigious World Baseball Classic. Ohtani is scheduled to pitch against live hitting on Sunday, February 23, 2026, as part of his pitching buildup. Roberts has already indicated that Ohtani is a strong contender for the Cy Young Award this season, highlighting the team’s high expectations for his performance. MLB.com reports that the Dodgers are closely monitoring Ohtani’s progress and adjusting his schedule accordingly.
The World Baseball Classic, a quadrennial international baseball tournament, features the best players from around the globe competing for national pride. Japan has a strong history in the tournament, winning the championship in 2006 and 2009. Ohtani’s participation is a significant boost for the Japanese team, and his presence is expected to draw considerable attention to the event. The tournament is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with games taking place in various locations, including Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. The Dodgers are mindful of the demands placed on Ohtani by both the spring training schedule and his commitment to Team Japan.
Yamamoto’s Workload Management
Alongside Ohtani, Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is too preparing for the World Baseball Classic. Yamamoto, who signed a $325 million, 12-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, had a scheduled start on Saturday, February 22, 2026, before joining the Japanese team. He initially announced that it would be his only spring start, but later indicated he expects to pitch again on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Yamamoto pitched 1⅔ innings, allowing two runs and three hits while striking out three batters.
The Dodgers are particularly cautious with Yamamoto’s workload, given his extensive postseason run in 2024, where he pitched six times. Manager Roberts explained the team’s approach, stating, “Obviously him going and pitching for Team Japan, he’s going to be kind of trying to ramp it up and get prepared, so I think it’s just more of what he does strike one, leverage his secondaries and be efficient and get some outs.” Upon his return from the WBC, Yamamoto is expected to gradually increase his workload, starting with around four innings and 60 pitches. His performance in the World Series, where he went 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA and won three games – a feat matched only by Randy Johnson since 1969 – underscores his importance to the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
Looking Ahead: WBC and the 2026 MLB Season
The Dodgers are carefully managing the spring training schedules of both Ohtani and Yamamoto to ensure they are prepared for the demands of the upcoming season. The team recognizes the importance of allowing their star players to represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic while also prioritizing their long-term health and performance. The Dodgers’ success in 2025, culminating in a World Series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays, has raised expectations for the 2026 season. The Modern York Post details how Ohtani will continue to build up his arm strength while participating in the WBC.
The Dodgers’ approach to player development and workload management is a key factor in their sustained success. The team’s commitment to utilizing data analytics and collaborating with players to create individualized training programs has helped them maximize player performance and minimize the risk of injury. As Ohtani and Yamamoto prepare for the World Baseball Classic, the Dodgers will continue to monitor their progress and adjust their schedules as needed. The team’s ultimate goal is to have both players healthy and ready to contribute to a championship run in 2026.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both Ohtani and Yamamoto will be their participation in the World Baseball Classic, which begins in March 2026. Fans can follow their progress and the tournament schedule on the official WBC website. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the Dodgers’ preparations and the upcoming WBC in the comments below.