Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels), who lavishly decorated the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), begins preparations for the opening of the major leagues.

MLB.com announced on the 23rd (Korean time), “Ohtani will start the minor league game on the 25th and prepare for the opening game selection.”

Originally, Ohtani was scheduled to pitch in a major league exhibition game against the San Diego Padres on the same day.

However, the club changed the schedule to a minor league game so that Ohtani, who received attention while playing the WBC, could pitch in a more controlled and comfortable situation.

Ohtani, who adjusts his condition with one pitch on the day, starts the opening game against the Oakland Athletics on the 31st and opens the season for the Angels.

Ohtani, who became the best player in the major leagues with a double job as a pitcher, became a ‘world icon’ through the 2023 WBC.

He posted an average ERA of 1.86 with 2 wins and 1 save in 3 games as a pitcher in this tournament, and a batting average of 0.435 (10 hits in 23 at bats), 1 home run and 8 RBIs in 7 games as a hitter.

Ohtani, who led Japan to win the ‘7 out of 7’ championship, won the MVP of the tournament.

Ohtani also created the best scene in this tournament토토사이트

Ohtani took the mound as the closer in the ninth inning with the team leading 3-2 in the final against the United States on the 22nd. After catching two outcounts, he faced ‘Angels teammate’ Mike Trout.

Amid breathtaking tension, the two engaged in a full count match, and Ohtani, who struck out on a swing with a trout, laughed.

Angels coach Phil Nevin recalled the dramatic match, saying, “Ohtani’s pitching in the final inning was planned, but I didn’t expect the game to end like that.”

He added, “I received a text message asking who I was rooting for (Ohtani and Trout), but I didn’t think so. I love baseball. There is no other sport that can create this kind of drama. This is why our game is the best.” .

Meanwhile, Trout, who participated in the 2023 WBC as a member of the US national team and won runner-up, plans to return in an exhibition match against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the 27th.