Overview
- Samurai Japan listed Ohtani as a pitcher and designated hitter in an eight-player initial announcement for the 30-man roster.
- Manager Hirokazu Ibata also confirmed MLB pitchers Yusei Kikuchi (Angels) and Yuki Matsui (Padres).
- Five NPB pitchers were named: Hiromi Ito, Taisei Ota, Kaima Taira, Atsuki Taneichi and Daichi Ishii.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated he hopes Ohtani will only hit, and a pitching decision has not been finalized.
- Japan hosts the Tokyo Pool at the Tokyo Dome, facing Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic before the March 17 final in Miami.