Fansided

MLB news: Braves pitching analysis, Cardinals WBC promise, Jose Altuve injury timeline

By Kevin Henry

Mar 22, 2023; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka (40) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2023; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka (40) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Japan center fielder Lars Nootbaar (23) and team Japan celebrate after defeating the USA in the World Baseball Classic. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
Japan center fielder Lars Nootbaar (23) and team Japan celebrate after defeating the USA in the World Baseball Classic. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB news: A promise already made to Team Japan by a St. Louis Cardinals outfielder

Shortly after Samurai Japan defeated the United States in the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, all eyes looked ahead to 2026 to see if the Japanese squad to defend the WBC title. A key to that would be the return of Shohei Ohtani and Lars Nootbaar to the lineup, and it looks like that might happen after a promise was made as the celebration was happening in Miami.

Nootbaar had a solid performance in the WBC, slashing .269/.424/.269 with four RBI in 26 at-bats. Ohtani, to no one’s surprise, was one of the key components of Japan’s title-winning lineup, slashing .435/.606/.739 in 23 at-bats with a home run and eight RBI. He also threw 9.2 innings during the tournament, earning two wins and a memorable save in the championship game.

Sure, it’s a long time until the 2026 tournament begins, but it already appears that Samurai Japan has a core in place to once again bring the title back to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Home/MLB Spring Training