Shohei Ohtani is preparing to appear as a reliever should he be needed for team Japan in WBC final

Shohei Ohtani and his Japanese teammates have dominated the 2023 World Baseball Classic so far. As the team prepares to face Mexico in a much-anticipated semifinal showdown, Ohtani remains as vital as ever.

Although Shohei Ohtani effectively ruled out starting the potential championship game against the USA, he assured fans that they still might get a glimpse of him on the mound. Ohtani said:

"I don't think I'll start the final game... I am preparing to pitch as a reliever. It is up to my health condition."

The 27-year-old native of Iwate thanked his team, the Angels, for their patience and flexibility throughout his time away from spring training.

"Shohei Ohtani said that if Japan makes it to the WBC championship game against the United States, he will be available to pitch out of the bullpen if his body feels up to it." - Jared Carrabis

The two-way phenomenon has been a tonic for his nation so far in this tournament. On the bump, Ohtani has pitched 8.7 innings over two starts, allowing just two earned runs and five strikeouts.

When Ohtani announced that he would be representing Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the country erupted with excitement. Before the tournament started, 33 million people tuned in to watch Shohei Ohtani take the field in exhibition play.

Although the Los Angeles Angels star was initially expected to pitch out of the bullpen for the entire tournament, Ohtani has fulfilled a starting role for his team. With a team ERA of 1.80, Team Japan has the lowest cumulative ERA of any team in the tournament by a wide margin.

"Shohei Ohtani" - splendid

Team USA, captained by Ohtani's teammate Mike Trout, is heading to the semifinals. The Americans demolished Team Cuba by a score of 14-2 on March 19 to punch their ticket to the WBC final.

After signing a one-year deal worth $23 million, Ohtani must be in top shape for the season ahead. Experts have repeatedly claimed that Ohtani could draw offers in excess of $500 million when he declares free agency in the fall.

Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan still have a game to go before the final

Although they are heavily favored to face the USA in an epic showdown, Japan still need to play Mexico. The Mexicans have overcome all expectations this tournament, ousting both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Ohtani and company will have their shot at eliminating Team Mexico on March 20 at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.