The defending champions, Team Japan, have hit a snag ahead of the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Star relief pitcher Shota Imanaga is dealing with a left leg injury, casting doubt on his participation in the tournament. Multiple reports from Japanese outlets, including Yahoo Sports Japan and the Chung-Ang Ilbo, confirm the injury, described as a pulled left calf muscle.
Imanaga, a key member of Japan’s bullpen and the 2023 WBC champions, sustained the injury during training. While the severity isn’t fully known, his availability for the WBC is now uncertain. The team is evaluating his condition, and a decision on his participation will be made at a later date. This development adds a layer of complexity to Japan’s pitching plans, particularly as they navigate the potential participation – and workload management – of Los Angeles Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP, has officially committed to pitching for Japan in the WBC, marking his second consecutive appearance in the international competition. His commitment was confirmed this week by the Dodgers, despite concerns about workload following a demanding postseason. Yamamoto himself stated, “I’ve trained during the offseason to get myself in condition to compete at the WBC,” adding, “Together with my fantastic teammates and our reliable staff, we will aim to be No. 1.” Manager Hirokazu Ibata has lauded Yamamoto as “Japan’s top pitcher, there is no doubt about that,” and intends to rely heavily on him as the team’s ace.
The Dodgers are walking a delicate line with their Japanese contingent. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the team is engaged in “delicate” conversations with Ohtani, Yamamoto, and fellow Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki regarding their WBC participation. The primary concern is protecting the health of their pitchers after significant postseason workloads. However, the Dodgers also recognize the profound cultural importance of the WBC in Japan, a tournament often held in higher regard than even the World Series itself.
While Yamamoto’s participation appears secure, the situation surrounding Ohtani is more nuanced. Ohtani has confirmed he will participate, but his pitching role remains undefined. Ibata has indicated Ohtani is expected to primarily serve as the designated hitter, though the possibility of him taking the mound hasn’t been ruled out. Ohtani famously recorded the save in the 2023 WBC final, striking out Mike Trout to secure Japan’s victory over the United States.
The Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, acknowledged the ongoing discussions, stating, “We’re still working through that,” and emphasized the team’s support for both Team Japan and its players. “We’re very supportive of Samurai Japan and all that they’re trying to accomplish, and they’re very supportive of us,” Friedman said at the winter meetings.
Beyond Ohtani and Yamamoto, Team Japan boasts a roster filled with MLB talent. Seiya Suzuki (Cubs), Yusei Kikuchi (Angels), Munetaka Murakami (White Sox), Kazuma Okamoto (Blue Jays), Yuki Matsui (Padres), and Tomoyuki Sugano (a free agent after previously playing for the Orioles) are all expected to contribute. The team is aiming to repeat as champions, and the presence of so many established MLB players significantly increases their chances.
Imanaga’s injury, however, introduces an element of uncertainty. He was expected to be a crucial late-inning option for Ibata, providing a reliable arm to bridge the gap to closer Yuki Matsui. His absence will likely necessitate adjustments to the bullpen strategy and could put increased pressure on other pitchers to step up. The injury also highlights the inherent risks associated with players participating in both their MLB spring training and the WBC, potentially increasing the risk of fatigue and injury.
The Dodgers, having invested heavily in both Ohtani and Yamamoto, are understandably cautious. Yamamoto’s regular season performance in was impressive – 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173 ⅔ innings – but it was his dominant postseason performance (1.45 ERA in 37 ⅓ innings, including two complete games) that truly cemented his status as a top-tier pitcher. The Dodgers will want to ensure he’s fully prepared for the rigors of the MLB season, and that means carefully managing his workload in the WBC.
The situation with Sasaki is also noteworthy. While Yamamoto is confirmed to pitch, Sasaki will not participate in the tournament. This leaves a void in Japan’s pitching rotation, further emphasizing the importance of Imanaga’s health and the need for other pitchers to perform at a high level. The WBC promises to be a showcase of international baseball talent, and Team Japan, despite this recent setback, remains a strong contender for the title.
