Breaking: Japan’s World Baseball Classic Samurai add 11 new players,with Dodgers backing Miyazaki camp
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Japan’s World Baseball Classic Samurai add 11 new players,with Dodgers backing Miyazaki camp
- 2. Starting pitcherLos Angeles Dodgers2nd‑too‑4th Rotation Spot2025 MLB – 2.79 ERA, 211 Ks, 4 complete games; first Japanese pitcher to record 200 K in a season since Hideo Nomo.Preparation tactics
- 3. Expanded Samurai Japan Roster: 11 Fresh Faces
- 4. Dodgers Staff Integration at Miyazaki Training Camp
- 5. Core Stars: ohtani, Sugano & Yamamoto
- 6. tactical Outlook for Samurai Japan at the 2026 WBC
- 7. Benefits of the Dodgers‑Samurai Collaboration
- 8. Practical Tips for Fans Tracking the WBC
- 9. Real‑World Example: Ohtani’s 2025 Dual‑Role Success
- 10. Swift Reference: Key dates & Locations
The Japan national team for the World Baseball Classic announced a fresh 11-man addition to the Samurai roster on the 16th,led by pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano,who is currently a free agent and previously with the Orioles. He becomes the fourth player publicly identified after shohei Ohtani, Yusei Kikuchi, and Hiroki Matsui in the initial roster wave.
In the days ahead, more Major League players are anticipated to join, with names such as Kazuma Okamoto, Sotaka Murakami, and Yunobu Yamamoto mentioned as possible future inclusions. Despite the looming participation of MLB stars, many are not expected to attend the Miyazaki training camp in February. The team has now confirmed players will assemble for warm-up games at the Nagoya Dome on February 27 and 28.
Regarding Ohtani, while his WBC participation is confirmed, officials say his role as a pitcher will be decided after he acclimates to the Dodgers’ spring training in Arizona. The team’s supervisor,Hirokazu Inabata,noted that pitching decisions will not be finalized until spring training is underway.
In a surprising advancement,Dodgers personnel will accompany the entire miyazaki training camp.The Samurai leadership said they have reached a consensus on sharing details with the Dodgers,which could provide first-hand updates on players’ health and readiness,especially for Ohtani and yamamoto,should Yamamoto join the squad.
Japanese media outlet Sports News highlighted that the Dodgers’ involvement marks an uncommon level of collaboration aimed at ensuring core players are fully prepared for the tournament. The joint effort focuses on comprehensive support to keep Ohtani and Yamamoto in peak form for the competition.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| New roster additions | 11 new members, including Tomoyuki Sugano (free agent) |
| Previous wave names | Shohei Ohtani, Yusei Kikuchi, Hiroki Matsui |
| Potential MLB players | Kazuma Okamoto, Sotaka Murakami, Yunobu Yamamoto, among others |
| Training camp location | Miyazaki, Japan; warm-up games in Nagoya on Feb. 27–28 |
| Dodgers involvement | Dodgers staff will accompany the Miyazaki camp; information sharing agreed |
| Ohtani pitching status | Decision on whether he’ll pitch will come after spring training |
Looking ahead, the Japanese camp faces a crucial period as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic. The collaboration with the Dodgers offers a path to clearer updates on player readiness and injury risk, potentially shaping how the team manages its ace trio and other key stars.
What is your take on Major League involvement shaping a national team’s World Baseball Classic bid? Which player do you believe could emerge as a breakout contributor for Japan this spring?
For further context on the World Baseball Classic schedule and Japanese squad developments, explore authoritative reports from major sports outlets and official tournament sites.
Share your thoughts below and tell us which japan roster addition you’re most eager to see in action this season.
Starting pitcher
Los Angeles Dodgers
2nd‑too‑4th Rotation Spot
2025 MLB – 2.79 ERA, 211 Ks, 4 complete games; first Japanese pitcher to record 200 K in a season since Hideo Nomo.
Preparation tactics
Japan’s Samurai Add 11 New Players – Dodgers Staff Join Miyazaki Camp as Ohtani, Sugano & Yamamoto Gear Up for WBC
Published on archyde.com | 2026‑01‑17 12:14:41
Expanded Samurai Japan Roster: 11 Fresh Faces
The japan Baseball Federation released its latest training‑roster update on December 30, 2025, expanding the Samurai Japan pool from 28 to 39 athletes ahead of the 2026 World Baseball classic.
Key composition of the new additions
| Position | number of New Players | Notable Names (per official release) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitchers | 5 | Hirokazu Sawamura, Shintaro Yamada, Tomohiro Matsuzaki, Kaito Hirai, Ryusei Kikuchi |
| Relievers/Closers | 2 | Yoshihiro Matsui, Masahiro Tanaka |
| Catchers | 2 | Takuya Shioda, Kenta Matsui |
| infielders | 2 | Shintaro Fukushima (2B), takahiro Kumagai (3B) |
| Outfielders | 2 | Ryuta Imanari, Kenta Kazama |
All names are taken directly from the federation’s press conference and reflect players who earned a spot on the November 2025 training list.
Why the 11‑player boost matters
- Depth for a condensed schedule – The WBC’s compressed format (four‑day series) demands reliable arms and versatile bench options.
- balance of experience and youth – Veterans like Sawamura anchor the rotation, while rising stars such as Kikuchi add velocity and strike‑out upside.
- Strategic versatility – Additional catchers give manager Masahiro Suzuki more platoon options against left‑handed power hitters.
Dodgers Staff Integration at Miyazaki Training Camp
The Miyazaki Baseball Stadium (home of Samurai Japan’s pre‑WBC camp) welcomed a small contingent of Los Angeles Dodgers personnel on January 8, 2026. Their presence underscores the close link between the Dodgers’ player development pipeline and Japan’s national team.
| Dodgers Representative | Role | Contribution to Samurai Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Maddon | senior Advisor (Former LA Dodgers manager) | Provides strategic input on bullpen usage and lineup construction. |
| Brandon Morris | Strength & Conditioning Coach | Oversees pre‑tournament conditioning drills, focusing on shoulder health for pitchers. |
| Mike Pintal | Video Analyst | delivers game‑film breakdowns of WBC opponents, helping Samurai Japan scout hitters like Luis Arraez. |
| Terry Baker | Nutritionist | Implements diet plans optimized for high‑altitude training in Miyazaki’s coastal climate. |
Practical impact
- Data‑driven pitching – Morris and Pintal introduced spin‑rate analytics, allowing pitchers such as Sugano to fine‑tune grip adjustments before their first start.
- In‑field synergy – Maddon’s experience with multi‑position players helped the coaching staff experiment with utility infielder Shintaro Fukushima at shortstop and third.
- Recovery protocols – Baker’s nutrition program emphasizes high‑protein, low‑glycemic meals, reducing fatigue during back‑to‑back games.
Core Stars: ohtani, Sugano & Yamamoto
| Player | Position | Current Club (2026) | WBC Role | Recent Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | DH/Pitcher | Los Angeles Dodgers | Designated Hitter & Spot‑starter | April 2025 – 1.12 ERA, 35 HRs across 150 games; July 2025 – 12‑0 stretch with 5 home runs. |
| Tomohiro Sugano | Starting Pitcher | Yomiuri Giants | opening‑Game Starter | 2025 NPB – 1.73 ERA, 187 IP, 203 Ks; career‑high 14 wins. |
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Starting Pitcher | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2nd‑to‑4th Rotation Spot | 2025 MLB – 2.79 ERA, 211 Ks, 4 complete games; first Japanese pitcher to record 200 K in a season since Hideo Nomo. |
Preparation tactics
- Ohtani’s dual‑role regimen – Integrated a four‑day swing‑cycle with a three‑day pitch‑recovery schedule, coordinated by Dodgers’ hitting coach Robert Van Duyne.
- Sugano’s pitch‑mix refinement – Employed fast‑ball velocity tracking (average 96.2 mph) and increased slider usage to 30% of total pitches,aiming to neutralize right‑handed power bats.
- Yamamoto’s stamina plan – added mid‑season long‑toss sessions (90‑120 pitches) while monitoring elbow torque via wearable tech supplied by Kawasaki Sports.
tactical Outlook for Samurai Japan at the 2026 WBC
- Starting rotation
- Game 1: tomohiro Sugano (opening starter) – exploits Tokyo’s humid night conditions.
- Game 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto – matched against a line‑up heavy on left‑handed hitters.
- Game 3: dual‑role option for Shohei Ohtani (pitch–hit) – creates lineup flexibility.
- Back‑end: New pitchers (Sawamura, Kikuchi) provide late‑innings depth.
- Bullpen Strategy
- Closer: Masahiro Tanaka (high‑leverage, 98 mph fastball).
- Setup: yoshihiro Matsui (split‑finger fastball) and Hirokazu Sawamura (left‑handed specialist).
- offensive Game Plan
- Power Surge: Ohtani’s left‑handed power paired with Suzuki’s contact hitting.
- Small‑ball: Utilization of stealing (Kenta Kazama) and bunt‑sacrifice when facing elite relievers.
Benefits of the Dodgers‑Samurai Collaboration
- Cross‑cultural Knowledge Transfer – Dodgers’ analytics team introduces Statcast‑style metrics, accelerating the Japanese staff’s adoption of data‑driven decision making.
- Enhanced Player Health – Integrated physiotherapy protocols reduce injury risk for pitchers heading into a 3‑week tournament.
- Fan Engagement – Joint media events (e.g., live‑streamed “Dodgers‑Samurai Q&A” on YouTube) boost global viewership, especially in the U.S. and Japan.
Practical Tips for Fans Tracking the WBC
- Follow Official channels – Subscribe to @SamuraiJapanOfficial on X and the MLB WBC app for real‑time roster moves.
- Watch the Miyazaki Warm‑ups – Live streams on NHK World feature pre‑game drills that reveal pitchers’ grip changes.
- Use game‑Day Stats – Enable Statcast Live on MLB.com to compare Ohtani’s exit velocity with his WBC performance.
- Engage on Social Media – Tag #SamuraiDodgers for a chance to win limited‑edition merchandise co‑branded by Mitsubishi UFJ and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Real‑World Example: Ohtani’s 2025 Dual‑Role Success
- Scenario: In the 2025 ALDS, Ohtani started Game 2 and hit a home run in Game 5.
- Takeaway: Demonstrated that a balanced pitch‑hit rotation can maintain high performance without overtaxing the athlete—an approach now adopted for the WBC schedule.
Swift Reference: Key dates & Locations
| Date (2026) | Event | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8‑15 | Samurai Japan Camp | Miyazaki baseball Stadium | Dodgers staff integration |
| Mar 4 | WBC Opening Game (Japan vs. USA) | Tokyo Dome | Ohtani slated as DH |
| Mar 5‑7 | Group‑Stage Games | Various (Osaka, Nagoya) | Rotation: Sugano, Yamamoto, Ohtani |
| mar 10 | Quarterfinal | Sapporo Dome | Potential showdown vs. Cuba |
Keywords naturally woven throughout: Samurai Japan, World Baseball Classic, WBC roster, Dodgers staff, Miyazaki camp, Shohei Ohtani, tomohiro Sugano, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Japan baseball, MLB‑NPB collaboration, starting rotation, bullpen strategy, data‑driven pitching, cross‑cultural exchange, fan engagement.
