Steve Webb
HERE IS THE TRANSLATED TRANSCRIPT OF SHOHEI OHTANI’S POSTGAME INTERVIEW WITH THE JAPANESE MEDIA AFTER WEDNESDAY’S WALKOFF WIN:
Q: Did they tell you to hit it because it is your bobblehead day right before your last at bat?
Ohtani: Just before the at bat, I don’t know who it was, but it was a Dodgers’ fan.
Q: Iglesias, the closer of Braves, is a pitcher you know well. When did you feel it was a home run?
Ohtani: I still don’t know what a pitch type I hit. I think that means I could hit naturally. I fouled off a lot of pitches recently even though they threw mistake pitches, but I could swing the ball tightly last at bat. It means I have a good reaction. What used to be a foul becomes a home run. I think I am getting into the ball on a good trajectory.
Q: This is a bit off-topic from the game, but the “torpedo bat” has been a hot topic around MLB lately. Some Dodgers players have started using it. What are your thoughts on it? Would you consider trying it?
Ohtani: I don’t think I’d suddenly start using it. I wouldn’t completely rule out the possibility, but I’m very satisfied with my current bat, and I feel like I’m getting the right feel from it. So, for now, I think I’ll stick with the bat I’m using.
Q: You are the TWP (two-way player). You were in the bullpen before the game. How do you feel difficulty and balance preparing for a return to pitching while also playing regularly as a hitter?
Ohtani: The load is of course higher when I also do a bullpen session or BP than when I play the game as DH, so I have to put in a recovery each time. When I go back on the mound as a pitcher, then my load is going to be even higher. I think I need to reduce my workout overall.
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