{"id":110832,"date":"2025-12-16T21:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T02:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=110832"},"modified":"2025-12-16T21:00:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T02:00:43","slug":"dodgers-2026-world-baseball-classic-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/12\/16\/dodgers-2026-world-baseball-classic-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"A Slate of Interesting Dodger World Baseball Classic Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

The next baseball season, essentially, is almost a year-long one now with the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have their own cadre of participants who will represent their home countries. For the record, teams cannot forbid their players from participating in the tournament, but they can advise the international teams on how they should be used. Here are some of the most interesting nuggets heading into the commitment season.<\/p>\n

\"Shohei
Jun 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two\u2011way player Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches the ball during the second inning against Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodgers Notes for March’s World Baseball Classic<\/h2>\n

The Trio from Japan<\/h3>\n

Shohei Ohtani<\/a> apparently can’t get enough baseball. The four-time Most Valuable Player<\/a> was one of the first to announce his intentions. The two-way player has played a pivotal role in the history of the WBC, as he led Japan over the United States in the last edition in 2023. In fact, he struck out Mike Trout<\/a> to seal Japan’s win. The Dodgers are hoping that Superman will only use<\/a> his bat this year. Manager Dave Roberts<\/a> openly discussed the “wear and tear” on Ohtani’s arm, nearly a year removed from arm surgery. Ohtani rehabbed his latest injury on a major-league mound this year because his bat is simply too valuable to replace. The jury is still out on whether or not he will pitch in the WBC.<\/p>\n

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Shohei Ohtani 2026 Team Japan edition … loading \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 pic.twitter.com\/SIBG7dyg2O<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) November 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n