Shohei Ohtani (29, LA Angels), who emerged as the best player in the league with a double job in the Major League (ML), continues the ‘double sword’ in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
According to MLB.com, the MLB official website, on the 6th (Korean time), Angels general manager Perry Manasian said, “The WBC will not place any restrictions on Ohtani’s play.” I look forward to showing you who I am as a player.”
Ohtani’s decision to join the WBC had already been made. However, it took time to determine whether or not it was a two-way flow. because of fear of injury. In fact, clubs opposed or conditionally accepted their players’ participation in the WBC. In the Dominican Republic, there is also a prospect that several players may not participate due to the club’s opposition. 안전놀이터
The dual job of batting, which only Ohtani realized, is more burdensome. Although Ohtani has overcome all concerns and succeeded, he has been constantly worried about injury since he was a rookie. After this season, he will receive free agent (FA) rights, so both the club and Ohtani have no choice but to be concerned about injuries.
Despite the concerns, the Angels gave Ohtani the freedom of ‘no limits’. Otani and the Japanese national team can decide whether or not to participate in dual swords. Of course, the WBC has a pitch limit. You can throw 65 pitches in the first round, 80 pitches in the second round, and 95 pitches from the semifinals. Unless you make it to the semifinals, the actual burden is not as great as the regular season, even if it is a dual wield.
Local media in Japan are predicting that Ohtani is highly likely to pitch in the first round against Korea as a starting pitcher. Right from the first round, the Korean team and fans will be able to face Ohtani’s Lee Do-ryu. In addition, if Japan is not eliminated, there is a high possibility that Ohtani will return to the mound in the semifinals or finals. As the dual sword style is allowed, he is expected to enter the plate as a batter in other games where he does not pitch.
Meanwhile, Ohtani participates in the spring camp of his team, not the Japanese national team, first. He plans to join the national team only on March 1, after completing one appearance until the demonstration game.