Dodgers Notes: Ohtani, Snell, Edman
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) by his own decision and likely due to insurance restrictions preventing coverage as a pitcher; however, he will participate as a designated hitter for Team Japan.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the team was willing to accommodate Ohtani pitching in the WBC if he desired, but insurance issues have complicated player participation in the tournament.
- Ohtani, recovering from elbow and shoulder surgeries, made 14 starts for the Dodgers in 2025 with a 2.87 ERA and aims to be ready to pitch at the start of the 2026 regular season.
- Blake Snell is taking a cautious approach to offseason strength training after shoulder inflammation limited
