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3d ago

Ohtani Joins Samurai Japan as Yamamoto Leaves Dodgers to Open WBC Campaign

With first pitch a week away, stars are reporting to national camps as MLB clubs coordinate workloads and broadcasters finalize coverage plans.

LAKELAND, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the second inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images)
TOKYO - MARCH 5: General view of the first round match between Japan and Korea of the 2006 World Baseball Classic on March 5, 2006 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Korea defeated Japan 3-2. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will head to the World Baseball Classic.

Overview

  • Shohei Ohtani joined Japan in Nagoya and drew awe with a rare public batting practice session, and he is not expected to pitch in the tournament.
  • After his final Cactus League tune-up (3 innings, 4 strikeouts, 52 pitches), Yoshinobu Yamamoto departed Dodgers camp and is expected to start Japan’s March 6 opener against Chinese Taipei under WBC pitch limits.
  • The Dodgers say they are aligned on Yamamoto’s usage, and Ohtani will keep building his throwing program off the mound while serving as a hitter for Japan.
  • Team USA finalized a star-laden roster led by Aaron Judge and top arms, as Logan Webb said he and Paul Skenes plan for two starts each and Tarik Skubal will make one before returning to the Tigers.
  • Roster and prep updates include Jesús Luzardo declining a USA invite and opting out to manage workload, Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim joining South Korea as manager Ryu Ji-hyun reported 90% camp satisfaction, and U.S. games on FOX with reports of Netflix securing Japan rights.