Is Shintaro Fujinami playing in WBC? Taking a look at MLB players in the Samurai Japan roster

Shintaro Fujinami is one of the new faces coming into the MLB for the 2023 season from Japan. Fujinami is a lethal pitcher who was recently signed by the Oakland A’s, however, his journey to professional baseball started long before he was signed by the Athletics. Fujinami has a career ERA of 3.4 for a total of 111 games.

Fujinami will not be playing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with team Japan. Fujinami's absence from the Samurai Japan roster has been attributed to his recent addition to the Oakland A's and his focus on the upcoming MLB season.

Japan's roster stacked even without Shintaro Fujinami

Despite the absence of Shintaro Fujinami, team Japan's roster for the 2023 WBC is exciting, with Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish leading the charge. The team is one of the favorites to win the tournament and features Lars Nootbaar and Masataka Yoshida, who will represent the MLB in the outfield. Munetaka Murakami, who hit 56 home runs last season with the Yakult Swallows, will also provide an offensive boost.

The Japanese WBC team's unconventional roster carries 15 pitchers, three catchers, eight infielders and only four outfielders. Most of their fielders can play multiple positions, and there's also two-way star Ohtani, who will be the designated hitter for the team in addition to pitching.

Roki Sasaki, the 21-year-old phenom, will also make his debut on the world stage. Sasaki recorded an incredible 51 straight retirements over two of his starts for the Chiba Lotte Marines last season, resulting in the 16th perfect game in NPB history.

Japan Training Session

While the absence of Shintaro Fujinami is unfortunate, the Samurai Japan roster is still impressive and ready to take on the world's best. Ohtani and Darvish will lead the pitching staff, and the youth on display with the team adds excitement to the tournament.

The WBC will provide a fantastic opportunity for Japanese players to showcase their skills on the international stage and for fans worldwide to enjoy the excitement of the tournament.