Shohei Ohtani made headlines during the last World Baseball Classic when he struck out teammate Mike Trout to secure the championship for Japan. However, he won’t be pitching in the 2026 edition of the tournament. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that it was Ohtani’s choice not to pitch.
Roberts mentioned that they would have supported Ohtani’s decision to pitch, but there are issues surrounding WBC insurance. Reports suggest Ohtani might not be covered to pitch, complicating his potential participation. Additionally, Team Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from the event due to similar concerns.
Ohtani will still be part of Team Japan as a designated hitter. He stated he’s on track to pitch for the Dodgers when the regular season begins. After undergoing elbow surgery in 2024 and shoulder surgery later, Ohtani made 14 starts in 2025, boasting a 2.87 ERA over 47 innings. Despite his playoff performances being less dominant, he still managed to pitch six innings in three out of four games.
Meanwhile, health remains a significant concern for the Dodgers’ rotation. Pitcher Blake Snell is taking a measured approach this offseason to strengthen his shoulder after experiencing inflammation last year. He signed a big five-year deal worth $182 million but struggled early in his Dodgers career with eight walks and just four strikeouts in two starts. After a comeback in August, he performed well in the playoffs, limiting runs against several teams.
Despite his cautious buildup, the goal is for Snell to be ready for Opening Day. If he can’t go, Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan are likely replacements. Given the injury history of many Dodgers pitchers, it seems they might depend on a deeper rotation in the coming season.
Another player, Tommy Edman, is also recovering from ankle surgery. He underwent a procedure to repair ligaments and remove bone spurs. This injury affected his performance both defensively and as a baserunner. Edman, like Snell, isn’t rushing his recovery and is focused on being fully healthy before returning to play.
Edman has faced challenges since joining the Dodgers, appearing in only 134 games. While he’s hit 19 home runs, his stolen bases have dropped significantly; he’s managed just nine steals compared to over 27 in previous seasons. His speed, once a defining trait, appears to have declined.
The upcoming season will reveal how these players return from injuries and reshape the team dynamics for the Dodgers. The focus on health and performance will be key as they strive for success on the field.
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blake snell,shohei ohtani,tommy edman
