Will Shohei Ohtani pitch against Team USA in the 2023 WBC final? Latest news ahead of showdown between baseball giants

The World Baseball Classic final is set, Team USA will face Japan and many fans are wondering if Shohei Ohtani will start for the Samurai. Ohtani has been a standout performer in the WBC, both as a hitter and a pitcher.

Shohei Ohtani has been a standout performer for Japan in the WBC

Is Shohei Ohtani starting for Japan in the WBC final?

Prior to the semifinals game against Mexico, Ohtani stated that he would only be available to pitch out of the bullpen in the WBC final if Japan beat Mexico, which they did. He said that he doesn't think there's a chance of him starting, but he'd like to prepare to pitch in relief, depending on his physical condition. Shohei Ohtani surrendered two runs on four hits and threw 71 pitches across 4 2/3 innings in Japan’s quarterfinal win over Italy in Tokyo on Thursday night.

Japan's manager, Hideki Kuriyama, declined to say whether Ohtani would pitch in the final. With Ohtani limited to relief, Japan could turn to Yu Darvish to start. Darvish also pitched Thursday against Italy but out of the bullpen. However, it was later confirmed Ohtani would indeed, not be starting the WBC final.

Ohtani has been a valuable asset to Japan's team, as he's been one of the best pitchers and hitters in the tournament. At the plate, he's nine for 20 (.450) with one home run, four doubles, nine walks, and eight RBIs. On the mound, he's given up two runs in 8 2/3 innings over two starts.

With Japan now in the final, Ohtani and Sasaki could take the mound on one of the world's biggest baseball stages. Japan is looking for its third WBC title, having won the first two events in 2006 and '09. Japan scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth after trailing 3-0 and 5-3 earlier in the game in their semifinal against Mexico.

Shohei Ohtani and Japan have advanced to the WBC final after defeating Mexico

Ohtani started the game-deciding rally by doubling to open the bottom of the ninth. Masataka Yoshida walked, Ukyo Shuto pinch ran, and Munetaka Murakami doubled to deep left-center to drive home the winning runs.

Overall, it seems unlikely that Shohei Ohtani will start for Japan in the WBC final. But his presence on the mound, even as a reliever, could still make a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Fans will have to wait and see if Ohtani will have the opportunity to take the mound.