TOKYO — All-Star pitcher Shohei Otani will headline Japan's bid for a third title at the World Baseball Classic.
The 22-year-old Otani was among 27 players named to Japan's squad on Tuesday by Samurai Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo.
While Otani excelled both as a batter and pitcher for the Japan Series champion Nippon Ham Fighters last season, Kokubo said he intends to use the hard-throwing right-hander primarily as a pitcher during the March 6-22 WBC.
"His main role will be as a pitcher," Kokubo said. "But depending on the situation, I may use him in other roles such as designated hitter.