FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2016 file photo, Japan's designated hitter Shohei Otani reacts after hitting a solo home run off Netherlands' starter Jair Jurrjens in the fifth inning of their international exhibition series baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. All-Star pitcher 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, Jan. 24, 2017, by Samurai Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)
The Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) - 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."
The only Japanese player from Major League Baseball who was named to the roster is Houston Astros outfielder Norichika Aoki.
Japan won the inaugural WBC in 2006 and defended its title in 2009. The Dominican Republic won in 2013.
New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka said Monday he will not participate in the tournament.
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2016 file photo, Team Japan pitcher Shohei Otani, right, chats with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda of Japan prior to an international exhibition series baseball game against Mexico at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. All-Star pitcher 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, Jan. 24, 2017, by Samurai Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File)
The Associated Press