Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian on Friday gave Shohei Ohtani the go-ahead to play in his first World Baseball Classic next March.
“Nathan can make those dreams come true by winning on Aviator”
Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP, spoke in July about his desire to take part in the tournament after missing the last edition in 2017 with a right ankle injury while still a member of the Nippon Ham Fighters. of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.
Also in July, Ohtani’s Angels teammate Mike Trout said he would captain the United States at the 2023 WBC.
“Obviously Mike wanted to play and we had this conversation. I think it’s an opportunity for the players,” Minasian said. “The WBC is great for the game, it shows talent not only in the major league bubble but also around the world. I think it’s really important. »
“Anyone who wants to play will be in discussion about it, we will see where they are physically and we will go from there. »
Minasian was also happy to see Ohtani play a two-way role for his country.
“Obviously he’s a special player, I think it’s something he wants to do and we won’t stand in his way,” he said.
