Japanese player Shohei Ohtani plays ball during team practice in Miami, Florida on March 19, 2023, the day before a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against Mexico. (Essonne Info) ==Essonne Info
Shohei Ohtani said Sunday he could pitch again in the World Baseball Classic if Japan reaches Tuesday’s final.
Ohtani started Japan’s opener on March 9 and Thursday’s quarter-final win that took the team to Miami. Ohtani’s manager, Phil Nevin, of the Los Angeles Angels, said recently that he believed his star would not pitch for Japan after the quarter-finals.
On Sunday, however, Ohtani indicated the Angels were ready to be flexible.
“My club listens to my selfish requests and they give me some leeway,” Ohtani said after Samurai Japan trained for the first time at Miami’s LoanDepot Park.
“It’s true that I would like to be ready to throw in relief.
For that, Japan will have to get rid of Mexico on Monday.
“I think our pitchers will be able to get their hitters under control,” Ohtani said. “The question will be whether our hitters will make it easy for them.
Féliciane is one of the talented editors of Essonneinfo. She has written for the site since its launch, and has become a well-known figure in the industry for her skillful reporting and unique take on stories. Féliciane’s main hobby is travelling. Her passion for travel has allowed her to write in-depth articles on cultures around the world.
