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Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani is playing in the World Baseball Classic this year, hoping to defend the title that he helped Team Japan win back in 2023.
Since the 2023 WBC, Ohtani has won two World Series titles and captured two consecutive National League MVP awards. Awards, bolstering his trophy cabinet, and cementing himself as the best player on earth.
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After he was unveiled as one of the pitchers listed on the roster, Japan Airlines released a commercial that features Ohtani as a samurai.
He is seen holding a sword and dramatically unholstering it in an eye-catching video that has already gone viral.
Dodgers Nation’s very own Noel Sanchez reacted to the ad below.
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During an interview back in November, Ohtani was noncommittal about pitching after his elbow surgery in September 2023. He only returned to the mound back in June, and the ace pitched throughout the postseason, even being used on short rest, all while hitting as well.
“I’m not sure yet how I’ll be used,” Ohtani said. “I should have several plans for pitching, as well as plans for when I don’t pitch.
“If you ask me if I’m feeling close to how I felt before my surgery, I don’t think I am there yet,” he said. “First of all, I want to start preparing during training camp so that I can perform even better than before.”
At the MLB winter meetings, Roberts said that he did not want Ohtani to pitch, though he did not offer a definitive answer.
“I’m hoping he doesn’t, but I don’t know,” Roberts said. “He’s very in tune with his body. But I would say probably the thought is he’s probably just going to hit.”
Seemingly, the Dodgers and Ohtani will see how he feels during spring training, and if he gets through it well, he may step on the mound, but he will certainly hit.
Japan has good depth in its pitching staff, though its lineup is weaker in comparison. He will be more valuable to his team as a hitter, and they will likely make sure he can contribute the most at the plate.
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Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
