TEMPE, Ariz. — Now that Japan has advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic, Shohei Ohtani’s path through the tournament and to opening day with the Angels has become clear, and it won’t involve a matchup against Mike Trout.
Angels manager Phil Nevin said Saturday morning that the plan is for Ohtani to pitch in the quarterfinals of the WBC in Japan on March 16, and to pitch for the Angels on March 24 in a Cactus League game against the Padres. That sets up Ohtani to be on his normal five days’ rest before opening day on March 30 in Oakland.
“That’s what I’ve understood,” Nevin said. “He’ll pitch the quarterfinal game, then he’d be available for us that Friday (March 24) when they come back, regardless of what happens. Friday was the day he wanted to throw to get ready for Oakland.”
