Ohtani Shohei, the Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels two-way star, is likely to leave for Japan in early March to join Japan's national team for the World Baseball Classic tournament.

The Angel's general manager, Perry Minasian, told reporters on Saturday that Ohtani is most likely leaving for Japan on March 1 although the schedule "could change a day or two."

Minasian's comments made it almost certain that Ohtani will skip the national team's training camp scheduled in Miyazaki Prefecture, southern Japan, from February 17 to 27. Ohtani will join his team's camp that will start on February 15.

The general manager also said Ohtani will take one start as a pitcher during spring training before leaving for Japan.

The World Baseball Classic tournament will start on March 8.

Minasian said they came up with a "pretty good plan" after having multiple discussions. He also expressed strong confidence in Ohtani, saying "He's doing everything he needs to do to be ready to go. He is the least of my concerns."

Asked about restrictions for Ohtani during the WBC tournament, the general manager said there will be no restriction from the Angels' side.

He said, "We expect him to play, and hit and pitch and do what he does, and show the world how good of a player he is."