Dodgers President Drops Latest Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update After Japan’s WBC Exit
Shohei Ohtani did not take pitching duties for Team Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. But the two-way superstar was ramping up at their camp for the upcoming MLB season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani is returning to the Dodgers’ spring training camp soon after Japan crashed out of the WBC in the quarterfinals against Venezuela on Saturday night.
Andrew Friedman, the Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations, is expecting Shohei Ohtani to put up an elite campaign from a pitching standpoint. Friedman senses the four-time MVP is determined to deliver an outstanding campaign on the mound for the Dodgers in his first full season as a member of their starting rotation.
“He seems like he’s on a mission, pitching-wise,” Friedman said, as per ESPN. “Whenever we’ve seen him on a mission, good things happen.”
Andrew Friedman shared some details on how the Dodgers will handle Shohei Ohtani's pitching this season.https://t.co/ACSqOALi6W
— DodgersOnSI (@DodgersSI) March 11, 2026
Ohtani knows he may not have a great deal of time to fulfill his goals as a starting pitcher. He had his second elbow surgery at the end of the 2023 season and will probably not be able to pitch again if he needs to go through another one. The Japanese superstar played purely as a DH in his first season with the Dodgers before returning to the mound last year.
Dodgers Catcher Tips Shohei Ohtani to Win Cy Young Award In 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith believes Shohei Ohtani is a genuine contender to win the Cy Young Award in the National League this year. Ohtani ramped up during the regular season last year as an opener before becoming a member of the Dodgers’ rotation in the postseason.
“He can go out there and win a Cy Young this year. I have no doubt about that,” Smith told ESPN.
Despite his dominance on the mound, Shohei Ohtani earned Cy Young votes just once, finishing fourth for the award in 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels. But the five-time All-Star generally starts just once a week. Therefore, he will be limited to just 26 starts, without any additional rest to ease his workload. So, Ohtani will need an incredible season on the mound to take the crown.
Dodgers President Drops Latest Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update After Japan’s WBC Exit
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