Shohei Ohtani has Japan one win away from a World Baseball Classic championship.
The Angels' two-way star launched a ninth-inning rally Monday night to power Japan to a comeback win over Mexico and secure a date with Team USA on Tuesday. Japan hasn't won the World Baseball Classic since 2009, when Daisuke Matsuzaka was the tournament's MVP.
Japan has gotten huge contributions from other pieces, including recent Red Sox addition Masataka Yoshida, but having a player who can hit and pitch as well as Ohtani is a game-changer.
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The U.S. will see plenty of Ohtani on Tuesday night, but will he be able to both hit and pitch?
Can Shohei Ohtani hit while he pitches in the WBC?
World Baseball Classic rules do allow Ohtani to hit and pitch in the same game.
Ohtani was able to serve as the starting pitcher when Japan faced Italy in the quarterfinals and remain in the game as the designated hitter once he was lifted. He allowed two earned runs against Italy and contributed as a hitter with a single, a walk and two runs scored.
The World Baseball Classic has strict limits on pitcher usage, so it's critical for Japan that Ohtani is able to stay in the lineup as the DH once he's removed as a pitcher.
MORE: Will Shohei Ohtani pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic final vs. USA?
Manager Hideki Kuriyama made it clear in December that Ohtani would pitch and hit as long as rules allowed, and he's followed through on that promise.
Ohtani could pitch briefly as a reliever against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final, but his place in the lineup won't be affected regardless of what Kuriyama decides on the mound.
"I will definitely be prepared to pitch wherever, but before that I am going to have to hit and make sure I put some runs on the board before I pitch."
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 21, 2023
Shohei Ohtani spoke with @Ken_Rosenthal after Japan's WILD walk-off winner 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/TFeGJCDqhO
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Shohei Ohtani World Baseball Classic stats
Ohtani has been dominant as a hitter for Japan to this point in the World Baseball Classic. The former AL MVP is batting .450 with one home run, eight RBI, and a 1.421 OPS through six games. He's walked nine times and has a higher on-base percentage than any player who's appeared in more than four games.
LEADOFF DOUBLE FOR OHTANI!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 21, 2023
Japan is looking for the walkoff win! 💪 pic.twitter.com/lUGdsST5TF
On the mound, Ohtani has a 2.08 ERA over 8.2 innings. He has struck out 10 batters and walked only one. Ohtani is also one of five pitchers with two wins in the tournament.
World Baseball Classic limits will restrict Ohtani to a relief appearance in the title game against the U.S., but even just an inning or two from such an electric presence could be a difference-maker for Japan.
