Ohtani, star-studded US eye Wo...

The search for baseball's world champions begins this week with the return of the pandemic-delayed World Baseball Classic after a six-year absence, with Shohei Ohtani seeking to drive Japan to a record third triumph.

The fifth edition of the event features teams from 20 nations, with the four first round groups held in Taiwan, Tokyo, Arizona, and Florida before the majority of the knockout rounds begin in the United States. The event was last held in 2017, when the United States won the title for the first time, defeating Puerto Rico at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Because the Covid-19 epidemic forced the tournament to be postponed in 2021, the United States is only now commencing their championship defense with a roster brimming with Big League Baseball players.

Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout joins the likes of the Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts, and the Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado on the American roster.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa feels the American lineup is the "best USA squad ever assembled," and he is excited that the reigning champions would enter the competition as the side everyone wants to beat.Because the tournament was postponed in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the United States is only now beginning their championship defense with a squad loaded with Major League Baseball talent.

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels joins the likes of Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies on the American roster.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa believes the American composition is the "greatest USA squad ever assembled," and he is pleased that the defending champions will start the game as the team to beat.The 28-year-old was scheduled to compete in the 2017 World Baseball Classic but was forced to withdraw due to an ankle ailment. However, the Dominican Republic, the 2013 champions, is looming big as one of the favorites for the championship.

The Dominicans' mostly MLB-based roster includes San Diego Padres duo Manny Machado and Juan Soto, as well as Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero withdrew on Saturday due to knee pain. The Dominican Republic leads a packed Pool D fielded at Miami's LoanDepot Park, which also features a strong Puerto Rico squad, Venezuela, Israel, and Nicaragua. The competition kicks off on Wednesday in Taiwan with Pool A games. Taiwan, the Netherlands, Cuba, Italy, and Panama are all in Pool A.