Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — After helping spark a big offensive outburst in the Dodgers’ 8–7 win over the Rockies, Shohei Ohtani spoke postgame about the importance of the team’s fast start, his current rhythm at the plate, and his thoughts on possibly returning to the World Baseball Classic next year.
A Strong Start Sets the Tone
Ohtani emphasized how important it was for the Dodgers to put up a crooked number early.
“Scoring a bunch of runs in the first inning sets the tone,” he said. “It really shows everyone is focused and locked in from the start.”
Ohtani himself contributed with a home run in the early rally, noting it came off a hanging breaking ball. “It was a little up in the zone,” he said. “I haven’t really been lifting the ball like that lately, but I got under it well this time. It felt like a really good swing.”
Progress at the Plate and in Rehab
Reflecting on the first few weeks of the season, Ohtani admitted he hasn’t always started strong in previous years, but he feels this year is right in line with his usual rhythm.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an amazing start, but it’s pretty typical for me,” he explained. “And the rehab is going really smoothly, so I think things are in a good place overall.”
He also addressed how he’s managing baserunning post-surgery, especially with aggressive slides. “There are moments when I have to push it, but when the timing isn’t critical, I try to minimize the strain,” Ohtani said.
Thoughts on the World Baseball Classic
Ohtani was also asked about Yankees star Aaron Judge’s recent announcement that he’ll play for Team USA in the next World Baseball Classic.
“If I’m selected, it would be a real honor,” Ohtani said. “But first, I need to focus on this season and perform well enough to even be in that conversation.”
He praised the continued growth of the tournament and how much it means to players around the world. “It’s becoming a bigger and bigger stage,” he said. “It was really special for me to play in the last one. It’s something I dreamed of since I was a kid.”
Keeping It Simple at the Plate
Ohtani finished by breaking down his approach in his first at-bat, where he made hard contact early in the count.
“I don’t really focus too much on pitch types,” he said. “It’s about timing and being ready to hit mistakes. As long as my swing path and timing are good, I believe I can handle anything.”
With another home run in the books and the Dodgers heating up, Ohtani continues to show that even while rehabbing, he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball—and as always, one of the most thoughtful.
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