Shohei Ohtani Reveals Plans for 2028 Olympics After WBC Exit

"Following fellow Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto's surrendering a leadoff home run in the first inning of the game, Ohtani hit a leadoff homer of his own in response, leveling the game. Yamamoto then allowed another run in the second inning, but Japan responded in the third with a four-run effort that gave them a three-run lead."

"Through four games played, Ohtani went six for 13 with five walks, seven RBIs, and three home runs. He was locked in throughout the tournament, making hard contact regularly. He seems to be ready for the start of the MLB season, a year that will see him hit and pitch full-time."

"Of course, I'd love to get revenge in the next tournament, or rather, take on the challenge again. I'm not sure in what form I can participate next time. I don't know about myself or anyone else, but I want to focus fully on the next opportunity."

Japan fell to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, failing to advance to the semi-finals. Shohei Ohtani responded to Yoshinobu Yamamoto's early home run with his own leadoff homer, and Japan briefly took a three-run lead after scoring four runs in the third inning. Venezuela scored six unanswered runs to secure victory, shutting down the Japanese lineup including Ohtani. Despite the team loss, Ohtani performed well throughout the tournament, going six for 13 with five walks, seven RBIs, and three home runs, demonstrating readiness for the upcoming MLB season. Ohtani and Yamamoto now head to Dodgers camp to prepare for their championship pursuit while Ohtani looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics.

Read at Dodgers Nation