Shohei Ohtani did not hold back his frustration following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest loss, offering a candid and self-critical assessment of his performance on the mound and at the plate. In a postgame interview that blended Japanese and English reflections, the two-way superstar acknowledged that his start to the season has been far from satisfactory, pointing to mechanical issues and a lack of rhythm that have plagued his early outings. “Overall, I don’t think it was very good,” Ohtani said through a translator, his tone measured but unmistakably disappointed. The Dodgers fell to their opponents in a game where Ohtani’s pitching showed flashes of dominance but ultimately unraveled in critical moments, leaving the team searching for answers as the season progresses.
Ohtani detailed his struggles with precision, noting that his command wavered significantly after a promising beginning. “The first four innings were a good pace, but even then, I didn’t feel like I was in a good place,” he explained, his words revealing a disconnect between results and his internal sense of control. The right-hander specifically cited a lack of effectiveness in high-stakes situations, where opposing batters capitalized on his mistakes. “The way I gave up runs wasn’t good either,” he added, referencing a pivotal inning where the game slipped away. Despite managing to limit damage in some frames, Ohtani made it clear that the overall outing did not meet his own exacting standards, a sentiment that underscores the immense pressure he places on himself as both a pitcher and hitter.
The 30-year-old superstar did not shy away from diagnosing the root of his issues, pointing to mechanical flaws that have persisted since his warm-up sessions in the bullpen. “I wasn’t feeling good from the bullpen,” Ohtani admitted, suggesting that his struggles are not a matter of physical condition but rather a breakdown in his delivery mechanics. “My physical condition wasn’t that bad, but I think it’s a mechanical problem,” he said, emphasizing that the disconnect between his body and his motion has been a recurring theme. This revelation is particularly concerning for a player who relies on precision and repeatability to excel at the highest level, and it raises questions about how quickly he can adjust before the Dodgers’ season gains momentum.
When pressed about the decision to not hit during the game, a strategy that some have speculated could conserve energy for his pitching duties, Ohtani offered a pragmatic perspective. “Personally, I’m fine either way,” he said, downplaying any notion that the arrangement was a significant factor. “If I’m told to hit, I want to go with that, but looking at the team overall, it’s a long season.” He acknowledged that having days where he focuses solely on pitching might have benefits for maintaining health and stamina over the grueling 162-game schedule. “There might be players who want to try hitting as the designated hitter, and for myself, to keep a healthy season, having such outings could be a plus,” Ohtani explained, deferring to the team’s judgment. “I’ll leave it completely to the team and prepare to perform well in whatever role I’m given.”
The conversation shifted to the broader challenge of balancing his dual role, a topic that has defined Ohtani’s career and sparked endless debate among analysts. He acknowledged the unique difficulty of maintaining consistency when splitting time between pitching and hitting, particularly when one aspect of his game is off. “It’s easier to maintain something good when things are going well,” Ohtani observed, his voice carrying a note of resignation. “But when things are not going well, it’s not easy to make that healthy and not overdoing in terms of repetition.” He stressed the importance of avoiding physical overexertion while working through slumps, a delicate balancing act that requires careful management of his daily workload. “While I’m working on certain things, it’s also a balancing act of making sure that I’m not overdoing physically,” he added, highlighting the mental and physical toll of his unique responsibilities.
Ohtani’s reflections on the team’s broader goals revealed a player deeply committed to the collective mission, even as he grapples with personal setbacks. “For the big goal, days like this are part of the process,” he said, referencing the Dodgers’ aspirations for a deep postseason run. “It’s ideal for everyone to stay healthy and enter October at full strength, and that requires management and communication with trainers and the team.” He emphasized that every game is an opportunity to focus on what he can control, a mindset that has carried him through past struggles. “As a player, I want to concentrate on what I can do in each game,” Ohtani stated, his determination palpable despite the disappointment.
The interview took a more introspective turn when Ohtani addressed the timing of his struggles, noting that early-season slumps are not uncommon for players of his caliber. “I think it’s a matter of pace,” he said, referencing the natural ebb and flow of a long season. “I’ve said before that such periods are inevitable, and if you’re going to play a season, there will be times like this.” He acknowledged that the tendency for these difficulties to arise early might simply be a characteristic of his playing style, a reality he must accept and work through. “I want to improve as quickly as possible, but I have to take it day by day,” Ohtani added, his words reflecting a patient yet urgent approach to correction.
When asked about the specific mechanics of his swing and how pitching affects his hitting rhythm, Ohtani offered a nuanced analysis of the challenges he faces. “Maintaining good mechanics in the cage is difficult, but keeping a good state is not that hard,” he explained. “However, going from a bad state to a good state requires a lot of work, and the most important thing is to keep the body healthy.” He noted that the increased physical demands of pitching days limit his ability to take extra batting practice, making it harder to make adjustments. “When you consider the total amount of movement in a day, you can’t take too much time, and within the limited things you can do, improving from a bad state is the hardest part,” Ohtani said, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous planning required to sustain his two-way career.
The Dodgers’ loss has amplified scrutiny on Ohtani’s performance, but he remains resolute in his commitment to the team’s success. “I agree with your assessment that having time to discuss and clean up in time is important,” he said, referencing a question about communication with coaches. “Today, I really entered into the fifth inning poorly, so how easy is it for days like this?” He acknowledged that the ability to compartmentalize and move past bad innings is a skill he is still refining, but he saw a silver lining in his ability to bounce back in the sixth frame. “I think it’s good that I didn’t let it carry over and was able to pitch well in the sixth, but the simple fact is that the start of the fifth was bad,” Ohtani concluded, his self-awareness shining through.
As the season unfolds, Ohtani’s candid assessment serves as a reminder of the immense challenges he faces as a pioneer in modern baseball. His willingness to dissect his flaws publicly, while rare among elite athletes, underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence. For the Dodgers, the hope is that these early struggles are merely a prelude to a dominant stretch, one that could define their championship aspirations. Ohtani, for his part, is focused on the incremental improvements that will carry him through the long haul. “I want to get better every day, even if it’s just a little bit,” he said, his voice steady. “That’s the only way to get to where I want to be.”
