Ohtani Won't Pitch, Yamamoto Will in Spring Training, Roberts Says

"The Los Angeles Dodgers don't plan to let Shohei Ohtani pitch in a spring training game, but World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto will, according to manager Dave Roberts."

"I don't know when he's going to leave us to join Team Japan, but there's still gonna be ample time for him to get his progression here with us," Roberts said. "To then, I'm sure Mark will be talking to the pitching coach over there and kind of, you know, stick to our plan and we'll be in lockstep."

"According to Ayako Oikawa of MLB.com, the Japanese squad is already in training camp, a period expected to last through Feb. 24, and will begin the Samurai Japan Series on Feb. 27. MLB players should be there in time to play exhibition games in Osaka on March 2."

Shohei Ohtani is expected to join Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic as a hitter only and is not slated to pitch in Cactus League games before his departure. Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands a good chance of taking the mound in spring training prior to leaving. Both Ohtani and Yamamoto are scheduled to throw live batting practice to teammates. The Japanese squad remains in training camp through Feb. 24 and will begin the Samurai Japan Series on Feb. 27, with MLB players available for exhibition games in Osaka on March 2. The team plans to complete Ohtani's pitching progression and coordinate with the Japanese pitching staff before he departs. No other country will have two Dodgers on its roster; seven other teams will have one Dodger each.

Read at Dodgers Nation