Angels Clear Shohei Ohtani To Pitch For Japan In World Baseball Classic Final

Shohei Ohtani has been cleared by the Angels to pitch within the World Baseball Classic ultimate in opposition to Team USA on Tuesday night time … paving the way in which for a possible dream matchup in opposition to Mike Trout within the championship recreation.

The Halos star final threw for Japan within the tourney on March 16 in opposition to Italy … and lots of thought that will be his final time on the mound within the enormous baseball occasion — as he is nonetheless ramping up his proper arm in preparation for the 2023 MLB season.

But, with Japan beating Mexico in a thriller on Monday night time — Ohtani expressed curiosity in showing in reduction for his residence nation in opposition to America within the finale … and Angels brass mentioned on Tuesday morning they’d enable it to go down if the chance arises.

Of course, there’s threat concerned. Ohtani has by no means thrown on simply 4 days relaxation … and he’s lower than 5 years faraway from Tommy John surgical procedure. Plus, he is anticipated to additionally bat within the coronary heart of Japan’s lineup for the whole thing of the competition too.

But LA common supervisor Perry Minasian told reporters he’d be comfy if Ohtani wanted to throw an inning or so to assist his staff safe a WBC win.

“He’s the last guy on planet Earth I’m worried about,” Minasian mentioned. “He’s going to be prepared. He’s going to have an idea of what he needs to do. If he does decide to pitch, I have the utmost confidence he will be ready to pitch and be fine.”

Manager Phil Nevin echoed Minasian’s feedback … saying he was fired up over the potential of seeing Ohtani vs. Trout on the massive stage.

“Who wouldn’t want to see the two best players in the world go at it, right?” he mentioned. “Then we’d have a lot of fun talking about it the rest of the year.”

Ohtani — who some imagine might signal a $500 MILLION contract subsequent offseason — is at the moment scheduled to be the Angels’ Opening Day starter on March 30.