Shohei Ohtani misses pitching in the Classic; U.S. media reveals insurance review challenges behind the scenes

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani confirmed today that he will not pitch in this year’s World Baseball Classic (WBC). Besides preparing for the new season, according to the American media outlet The Athletic, "Pitcher Ohtani" is very likely influenced by failing to pass the event’s insurance review, which has become a key reason for his absence on the mound.

Although Ohtani is confirmed to participate as a hitter for the Japanese Samurai team, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts clearly stated at the DodgerFest fan event that Ohtani will not pitch in the Classic, emphasizing that this decision was made by the player himself with the new season’s preparation in mind.

After undergoing a second right elbow surgery in 2023, Ohtani only returned to pitching last June. A source familiar with insurance contract reviews revealed: "Regarding pitching alone, it is almost impossible for him to obtain insurance coverage." This makes Ohtani’s choice to forgo pitching in the Classic more understandable.

This Classic has already seen several players withdraw due to insurance issues. The report mentioned that the Puerto Rico team even publicly stated they were considering withdrawing the entire team, causing a stir in the international baseball community.

The same report analyzed that since the 2023 Classic, insurance premiums for MLB players have significantly increased, and the review criteria have become stricter. Players with extensive injury histories or those who have been on the 60-day injured list or undergone surgery in the past season generally struggle to pass insurance reviews, though specific standards vary depending on individual player conditions.

Additionally, this Classic introduced a new age restriction clause—players aged 37 or older are ineligible for insurance coverage. Dodgers utility player Miguel Rojas, approaching 37, failed the insurance review and was excluded from the Venezuelan national team.