Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — As Shohei Ohtani prepares for his first-ever MLB postseason appearance with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he’s approaching it with both excitement and focus. Coming off an outstanding regular season, Ohtani has had plenty of experience in high-stakes games, including his memorable run in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), but the playoffs bring a different challenge. His one-word as about whether or not he was nervous– “Nope,” he said in English, to laughs from the press corps.
Reflecting on his preparation, Ohtani emphasized the importance of staying sharp at the plate. “It’s my first postseason, so I think it’s going to be different from the WBC. I’ve been focusing on making sure I get quality at-bats from the start,” he said. Ohtani has been using the past week to ensure he stays in game shape, adding, “I’ve been working to keep my body ready, taking a couple of at-bats per day to make sure I don’t lose my rhythm.”
Ohtani is also well aware of the injuries that have plagued some of his teammates, including Freddie Freeman and some key pitchers. When asked how the Dodgers will maintain their offensive production despite these setbacks, he remained confident: “I think the week off has helped recover from the fatigue of the regular season. As long as we stay in the right mindset, we’ll be able to perform.”
As the Dodgers prepare to face their division rivals, the San Diego Padres, Ohtani noted the heightened energy in the clubhouse. “The atmosphere is electric. Everyone is excited, especially with it being a rivalry matchup,” Ohtani said. He recognized the significance of the rivalry, explaining, “The Padres being our opponent definitely adds to the excitement. Today’s preparation is crucial, and we all want to have a good practice leading into tomorrow.”
When asked about his composure in high-pressure moments, Ohtani acknowledged his years of preparation: “I’ve been practicing for these types of situations since I was a kid. Playing on a stage like this has always been my goal, so I’m more excited than nervous,” he said. His experience in big games, like the WBC, has helped him develop the mental toughness necessary for postseason success.
Ohtani also reflected on his memories of watching the postseason in previous years, particularly the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory. “I remember watching that from a hospital room after my surgery. It was a bittersweet moment because I couldn’t participate,” he shared. “That feeling of wanting to be out there competing stayed with me.”
As for advice from his teammates, Ohtani laughed, “They tease me a bit, saying, ‘It’s your first time, right?’ but no serious advice yet.” He’s keeping things simple, focusing on maintaining his approach from the regular season. “If I look back, the season was pretty good overall. I just want to carry those good feelings into the postseason.”
While Ohtani has battled injuries in the past, he expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from his team, trainers, and fans. “I’ve had my share of challenges, but I’ve been able to keep playing because of the support from everyone around me. I’m just thankful and want to give my all on the field.”
As the Dodgers prepare for their first postseason game against the Padres, Ohtani’s blend of excitement, focus, and experience will be a crucial asset as he steps onto baseball’s biggest stage.
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