Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani is expected to serve as the designated hitter in the Dodgers first two preseason games.

Fantasy Impact

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will not pitch before he leaves for the World Baseball Classic. He'll get some reps in at the plate.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani is not expected to pitch in spring training games before he leaves for the World Baseball Classic.

Fantasy Impact

Ohtani will not pitch for Team Japan in the WBC next month. He is expected to pitch once a week early in the regular season as the Dodgers run a six-man rotation.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team will likely start the season with a six-man rotation, with Shohei Ohtani expected to pitch once a week in 2026.

Fantasy Impact

Ohtani did not pitch during the 2024 season due to elbow surgery but returned to the mound in 2025, posting a 2.87 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 47 innings. He was limited to pitching roughly once a week for most of the season, a pattern expected to continue in 2026. This won’t affect his fantasy draft stock, as he remains the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick thanks to his unmatched two-way impact.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Saturday that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Fantasy Impact

While Ohtani will serve as a traditional starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in addition to his designated hitter role this upcoming season, he will serve only as the designated hitter for Team Japan.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the Winter Meetings that Shohei Ohtani will be used as a traditional starting pitcher next season.

Fantasy Impact

Ohtani was limited heavily as a starter for most of this past season. He enters this offseason fully healthy and not rehabbing an injury. He is also expected to play for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.