Shohei Ohtani says he would only pitch in relief for Japan in potential WBC final

MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani told Japanese reporters Sunday that he would be available only to pitch out of the bullpen in the World Baseball Classic final Tuesday should Japan beat Mexico in the semifinals.“I don’t think there’s a chance of me starting, but of course I’d like to prepare to pitch in relief,” Ohtani said in Japanese to reporters. “That will depend on my physical condition. Up to this point, the team has really listened to my selfish requests and there are many things I’m doing that they have tolerated. “This is the end of the end. From here, I’d like to have a discussion with my body and make a decision.”Ohtani surrendered two runs on four hits and threw 71 pitches across 4⅔ innings in Japan’s quarterfinal win over Italy in Tokyo on Thursday night. One of the pitches was a 102-mph fastball — the hardest pitch he has thrown as a professional. Accounting for the time difference, Ohtani would pitch Tuesday on 4½ days’ rest. He’s never pitched on less than five days’ rest. He hasn’t pitched in relief since joining the Angels for the 2018 season.The Angels’ two-way superstar has been one of the best pitchers and hitters in
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