Shohei Ohtani exited spring training camp with a virtual handle-with-care tag as the Dodgers' two-way star commits his talents to helping Japan win a fourth World Baseball Classic. Well, most of his talents anyway.

The war of words for the next World Baseball Classic (WBC), starting March 5, has already begun, and Team USA’s stars aren’t letting Japan’s Shohei Ohtani have the last laugh.

“Hard to say, but if [Mike] Trout shows up, it’ll be tempting,” he answered through interpreter Will Ireton on Sunday when asked if he would consider pitching for Japan in the WBC if his team really n...