Shohei Ohtani (29, Los Angeles Angels) was selected as the starter for the opening game of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, and the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) doubled as a pitcher There is also interest in whether

Los Angeles Angels coach Phil Nevin announced on the 17th (Korean time) that Ohtani had been confirmed as the starting pitcher for the official opening game against the Oakland Athletics, which will be held on March 31, in a meeting with reporters ahead of the team’s spring training at Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

As Ohtani has to improve his physical condition to the peak in time for the opening match, chances are high that he will not throw the ball too hard in the WBC.

There is also a prospect that he will be able to focus only on other activities.

The 2023 season is very important for Ohtani. He will be eligible for free agent (FA) for the first time after the end of the new season.

Superstar Ohtani’s ransom is difficult to estimate. Some observe that he will exceed 500 million dollars (about 645.7 billion won).

There are preconditions for Ohtani to sign a contract at the expected level. He should perform at his best without injury in the 2023 season.

This is the reason why he needs to improve his physical condition in time for the MLB official opening game on March 31, not the WBC.

The WBC opens on March 9먹튀검증 and ends with the final on March 21, and if Ohtani pitches too much, it could adversely affect the performance of the new season.

Ohtani is actually adjusting his condition for the MLB opening rather than the WBC.

On the 16th, on the first day of team spring camp training, he threw 37 balls from the bullpen and checked his physical condition. His training intensity is similar to his previous years.

At the press conference ahead of the spring training that day, Ohtani answered, “I think it’s best to train like now” to the question, “Why don’t you speed up in preparation for the WBC?”

However, he answered the reason for the pace adjustment, saying, “The WBC has a pitch limit rule,” leaving room for the WBC to pitch.

While Japanese local media are predicting Ohtani’s ‘WBC double career’, coach Nevin also announced that he would not oppose Ohtani’s WBC double career.

Conversely, many experts predict that Ohtani will only play as a hitter.

Park Chan-ho, a commentator for “Korean Express,” told Yonhap News that day, “It is unknown whether Ohtani will participate as a pitcher or not.”

Korea has bad memories of ‘pitcher’ Ohtani.

The Korean national team suffered from 3 hits and 13 hits in 13 innings against Ohtani in two matches, the official opening game and semifinals of the 2015 Premier12. At that time, the national team had only three team hits.