Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will play for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, per Yahoo! Japan.

The Major Leagues may be considered the top baseball league globally. But in international competition, Japan reigns supreme. Since the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, Samurai Japan is the only country to win multiple titles,

Team Japan is ready to defend their title ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and their rotation will feature the reigning World Series MVP and ace of the Dodgers pitching staff. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will join teammate Shohei Ohtani as the two Dodgers to announce their participation for the World Baseball Classic,

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/onsi as Dodgers Star to Miss 2026 World Baseball Classic for Surprise Reason. Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts announced he will not participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic on internet personality Adin Ross' livestream on Wednesday.

Cast, Jake and Jordan talk about where Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami could sign and look at a few World Baseball Classic rosters.