{"id":548821,"date":"2026-02-01T08:07:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T08:07:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/548821\/"},"modified":"2026-02-01T08:07:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T08:07:18","slug":"dodgers-shohei-ohtani-will-not-be-pitching-in-wbc-this-time-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/548821\/","title":{"rendered":"Dodgers\u2019 Shohei Ohtani will not be pitching in WBC this time \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Manager<\/p>\n

Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodgers<\/p>\n

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, with the help of interpreter Will Ireton, left, speaks to the media during the annual DodgerFest on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shohei<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Freddie<\/p>\n

Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers laughs during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Roki<\/p>\n

Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Freddie<\/p>\n

Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers shows off his repaired foot with commentator Stephen Nelson during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shohei<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani, left, speaks as interpreter Will Ireton, pitcher Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers along with announcer Joe Davis look on during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Commentator<\/p>\n

Commentator Stephen Nelson, left, reacts along with Will Smith, Max Muncy, Mookie Betts and commentator Joe Davis, right, during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/p>\n

Will Smith, left, along with Max Muncy, center, listen as Mookie Betts speaks during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shohei<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani, second from left, waves to the crowd as commentator Stephen Nelson, left, speaks as interpreter Will Ireton, pitcher Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers along with announcer Joe Davis look on during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Blake<\/p>\n

Blake Snell #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks with David Vassegh during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Miguel<\/p>\n

Miguel Rojas, right, of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks with David Vassegh during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Brusdar<\/p>\n

Brusdar Graterol of the Los Angeles Dodgers waits in the shade during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Roki<\/p>\n

Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/p>\n

Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Hyeseong<\/p>\n

Hyeseong Kim, right, of the Los Angeles Dodgers with the help of his iinterpreter Dean Kim speaks to the media during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A young Dodger fan sits atop his father during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Bash<\/p>\n

Bash Bolanos, 12 year-old of Los Angeles pose for a picture during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

Victor Arvizu, with his sons Dominique, left, and Victor pose with the 2024 and 2025 Commissioner\u2019s Trophies for winning the World Series during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fan during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

Anthony Banda of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs autographs during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fans look on during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fan during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A Dodger fan waits in the shade on a hot day underneath the outfield pavillion during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fan Juantani poses with fans during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A Dodger fan with a giant bat makes his way through the plaza during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A Dodger fan looks toward the field during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fans wait in the shade on a hot day underneath the outfield pavillion during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Hundreds<\/p>\n

Hundreds of Dodger fans make their way during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fans line up for the Yard Sale where they can purchase Dodger memorabilia during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/p>\n

Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dodger<\/p>\n

Dodger fans during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Manager<\/p>\n

Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks as Commentator Joe Davis looks on during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/p>\n

Will Smith, left, speaks as Max Muncy and Mookie Betts look on during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/p>\n

Will Smith, left, along with Mookie Betts make their way to the stage during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shohei<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n

Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers with his family during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Freddie<\/p>\n

Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers waves to the crowd during a stage show during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Shohei<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani fans wearing a t-shirt with his likeness and his dog Decoy reacts during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Fans<\/p>\n

Fans look on during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 40<\/p>\n

Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

LOS ANGELES \u2014 MLB got the signature moment it dreamed of when the 2023 World Baseball Classic ended with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout<\/a> to clinch the championship for Team Japan.<\/p>\n

They won\u2019t get an encore in the 2026 event \u2013 at least not with Ohtani on the mound.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not going to pitch in the WBC,\u201d Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday at the team\u2019s annual DodgerFest event. \u201cBut he will be ramping up his arm to get ready for this season. I don\u2019t know how many innings he threw last year (47 in the regular season, 20\u2153 in the postseason), but obviously, with the full offseason, going north of what he did last year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ohtani was less forthright when he was asked about the WBC, which takes place in the middle of March. He said he would be \u201cfully prepared\u201d to DH for defending champion Team Japan, but as far as pitching, \u201cI have to see how my body feels, feel the progression (of his throwing program) and see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roberts said the decision not to pitch \u201cwas absolutely his call.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t surprised. I can\u2019t even say I was relieved,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cHe wants to \u2013 understanding what he did last year, what he had to go through to then, how best to prepare himself for \u201926 to do both \u2013 it just seemed like the right decision. So, I wasn\u2019t surprised, and feel really good with that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Given the star power on their roster, the Dodgers will not be represented as much as expected in the WBC. Only four players are confirmed as participating \u2013 catcher Will Smith (Team USA), infielder Hyeseong Kim (Korea) and Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan). Clayton Kershaw, who retired following the 2025 season, is on the roster for Team USA.<\/p>\n

Right-hander Roki Sasaki indicated he was interested in playing for Team Japan, but it was a \u201cteam decision\u201d that he not participate and instead focus on preparing for his second MLB season. Because Sasaki spent extended time on the injured list<\/a> with a shoulder injury, the Dodgers were able to prevent him from playing in the WBC. Yamamoto \u2013 who pitched 211 innings in 2025, including 2\u2154 innings in World Series Game 7 on zero days of rest \u2013 will pitch for Japan.<\/p>\n

First baseman Freddie Freeman played for Team Canada in the 2017 and 2023 WBC<\/a> as a way to honor the memory of his mother. But he withdrew his name from the team this year for \u201cpersonal reasons,\u201d which he declined to specify.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no health (issue). I feel great. Body feels great,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cI needed to be close to California. That\u2019s all I\u2019ll say. But it\u2019s personal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez withdrew his name from consideration for the Dominican Republic\u2019s roster, citing the need for more recovery time after the Dodgers\u2019 late finish in 2025.<\/p>\n

Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas was planning to play for Venezuela but had to drop out when he was unable to obtain adequate insurance. The same issue led to the Houston Astros asking Jose Altuve not to play for Venezuela and eight players, including Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, were dropped from Puerto Rico\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely disappointed,\u201d Rojas said Saturday. \u201cI didn\u2019t know that my chance to go represent my country for the first and only time, probably as a player, was gonna get blocked because of an insurance problem. Even though we know we have to be ready for the season and we have to play and be healthy for our contract, at the end of the day, we didn\u2019t know all those restrictions were gonna be in place the way they are right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Puerto Rico, which is set to host Pool A from March 6-11 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, is reportedly considering withdrawing from the tournament after the issues with setting a roster.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy only question is \u2013 why is it just with our (Latin American) countries \u2013 like Venezuela, Puerto Rico, a couple Dominican players? I don\u2019t see that happening with the United States or happening with Japan,\u201d Rojas said. \u201cI\u2019m not trying to attack anybody, or attack what\u2019s going on, or seeing what\u2019s happening behind the scenes. But at the end of the day, it feels like it\u2019s just happening with the players that want to represent their country from Latin America. So there\u2019s a lot of things I would like to talk about with someone in control, with someone from MLB. \u2026 If I can still play in the big leagues with the Dodgers, why not go to play for my team in Venezuela and represent my country?\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2023, insurance issues prevented Kershaw from playing for Team USA.<\/a><\/p>\n

WBC rosters are due on Tuesday and are scheduled to be announced on Thursday night.<\/p>\n

HEALTH CARE<\/p>\n

Utility man Tommy Edman said he was able to discard the boot he was wearing following right ankle surgery in November 2\u00bd weeks ago and started \u201cbaseball activities\u201d this past week. Edman had ligament repair and bone chips removed after repeatedly injuring the ankle over the past two seasons.<\/a><\/p>\n

He said being ready for Opening Day is \u201ca possibility\u201d but it seems more likely his recovery will extend into the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am doing everything I can to be ready for Opening Day. But if it comes around to that time and my ankle is 90%, not quite where I need it to be, I\u2019m going to do my best to be patient with it and get it back to 100% and not dealing with it for the rest of the year,\u201d he said Saturday.<\/p>\n

Reliever Brusdar Graterol had the labrum in his throwing shoulder surgically repaired<\/a> two weeks after the end of the 2024 World Series and missed all of 2025. He said he has been following a program of long-tossing but expects to start throwing off a mound in the next week. Pitchers and catchers report for spring training on Feb. 12.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, left-hander Blake Snell said he is \u201cgoing to go slower\u201d in his spring buildup after a shoulder injury landed him on the injured list for four months in 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cLast year, I had so much to prove, I got way too excited and was really pushing to get to spring, get through spring,\u201d said Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million contract<\/a> with the Dodgers before last season. \u201cThis year, I\u2019m going to be a little slower just in how I ramp up. Be a lot more smarter on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Snell said his shoulder \u201cjust never felt great, never felt what the normal I\u2019ve felt my whole career.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said his shoulder feels stronger after going through a lot of physical therapy this offseason and \u201cthe goal is to be ready Opening Day, but I\u2019m going to take my time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roberts said he is fine with that, given the short offseason for all of the Dodgers\u2019 pitchers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever is best for Blake \u2013 or any of our pitchers, for that matter \u2013 we\u2019re gonna do,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cIf it doesn\u2019t line up with Opening Day, the first series, then it doesn\u2019t. And I\u2019ll say that about all of the pitchers.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to the media during the annual DodgerFest at Dodger…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":548822,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2406],"tags":[5,1560,39,1165,4332,4333,774,57,3224,4331,4,468,185,313],"class_list":{"0":"post-548821","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles-dodgers","8":"tag-baseball","9":"tag-dave-roberts","10":"tag-dodgers","11":"tag-la","12":"tag-la-dodgers","13":"tag-ladodgers","14":"tag-los-angeles","15":"tag-los-angeles-dodgers","16":"tag-losangeles","17":"tag-losangelesdodgers","18":"tag-mlb","19":"tag-shohei-ohtani","20":"tag-sports","21":"tag-yoshinobu-yamamoto"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/115994354342101219","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=548821"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548821\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/548822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=548821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=548821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=548821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}