Shohei Ohtani Will 'Definitely Be Prepared' to Pitch for Japan vs. USA in WBC Final
Japan's thrilling 6-5 walk-off win over Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic semifinals has opened the door for Shohei Ohtani to potentially pitch against the United States in the final.
Speaking to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports via an interpreter after Monday's victory, Ohtani said he will "definitely be prepared" to take the mound if he's asked to do so.
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If Ohtani does pitch in Tuesday's game, it would be in a relief role. His most recent appearance as a pitcher was in Japan's 9-3 quarterfinal victory over Italy on March 16.
The 2021 American League MVP allowed two runs with five strikeouts in 4.2 innings. He threw 71 pitches in the game.
Shota Imanaga is expected to get the start for the Japanese team. The left-hander has made two appearances in the tournament thus far, allowing one earned run in four innings.
Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama was asked before Monday's semifinal game if there was a chance Ohtani could pitch if his team advanced: "I won't say it's a zero," he told reporters via translator.
The Japanese team has dominated the tournament thus far. They advanced through the group stage with a perfect 4-0 record and outscored their opponents 38-8.
Monday marked the first time in the World Baseball Classic that Japan hasn't won by at least six runs. Mexico led most of the way after taking a 3-0 lead on Luis Urías' three-run homer in the top of the fourth inning.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida tied the game with his own three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh. Mexico got two runs in the eighth to take a 5-3 lead.
After scoring one run in the bottom of the eighth, Japan got the win on Munetaka Murakami's walk-off two-run double in the ninth. Ohtani started the rally with a leadoff double.
If Ohtani does pitch against Team USA, it opens up the possibility he could face his Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout in a high-leverage situation late in the game.
The World Baseball Classic final between Japan and the United States will take place at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.
