
Ohtani Skips WBC Pitching as Dodgers Plot Flexible Opening Day Rotation
Dodgers say Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to insurance constraints and will serve as a DH for Team Japan, with him still aiming to be ready to pitch by Opening Day. Blake Snell is taking a deliberate offseason approach to build strength after shoulder inflammation in 2024–25, with plans to be ready for Opening Day and backups like Sasaki or Emmet Sheehan ready if needed. Tommy Edman is recovering from ankle surgery, facing an uncertain Opening Day as he progresses from ligament repair and bone spur removal and hopes to return to form, though his speed and baserunning recovery have lagged. The Dodgers are weighing rotation depth, likely using more than five starters to cover potential injuries and workloads.













