Los Angeles, CA — As the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) approaches, a sensitive topic is starting to emerge within the Los Angeles Dodgers: whether to let Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki — the team’s three Japanese stars — play.
According to analysis from Dodgers Nation, the “Roosters” leadership has real concerns about using these three pitchers in the WBC.
Dodgers Nation
After a grueling season — especially for Yamamoto, who took a heavy load in the World Series — the Dodgers are concerned that adding an international schedule will be “too much” for their arm.
Yamamoto is at the center of the concern. He emerged as the team’s “ace” last season, but also suffered from heavy usage, including in the tense postseason. If Yamamoto continues to pitch for Japan in the WBC, the Dodgers fear it will affect their ability to maintain a strong force for the next MLB season.
Roki Sasaki is also in the sights. Having recently recovered from an injury, the Dodgers hope he will be completely rested in the upcoming season instead of continuing to compete internationally.
Dodgers Nation
In particular, using Sasaki too early or being overused could make him susceptible to re-injury or loss of form.
Ohtani, with his two-way role (both pitching and hitting), is a valuable but also very sensitive “double card”. According to Dodgers Nation, letting Ohtani pitch in the WBC will likely put the team at a high risk of injury — especially since he has a history of major injuries.
However, coach Dave Roberts has said that the team “supports players who want to participate” but he also admits: the top priority is health and readiness for the MLB season.
Los Angeles Times
This highlights a huge tension between wanting to let Japanese stars play internationally and protecting them for the long haul.
From a personnel perspective, the Dodgers are faced with a strategic dilemma: should they let these stars show their country’s spirit, or keep them “absolutely ready” for the MLB season, where every single piece they contribute is crucial. They could consider limiting innings, limiting pitch counts, or agreeing to only part-time participation in the WBC — but either way, the risk of overuse is a point they cannot ignore.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ decision reveals a very real aspect of elite sports: it’s not just about talent, but also about risk management, health, and long-term strategy. With the WBC becoming increasingly important, but the MLB season also becoming extremely fierce, the “Roosters” have to consider very carefully — as they are not only building the team for next season, but also protecting the future of three precious Japanese gems.SHOCK: DODGERS WORRY ABOUT LETTING OHTANI, YAMAMOTO & SASAKI PLAY AT WBC – AFRAID THE BURDEN ON HIM IS TOO BIG
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