Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Bluntly Responds to Whether He is Nervous For First Playoff Game
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will take the field in the postseason for the first time in his MLB career on Saturday. Ohtani, who signed with the Dodgers last December on a 10-year, $700 million deal, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels never made the playoffs with Ohtani on their team, and have not made the playoffs since 2014. Even without making the postseason, Ohtani was still one of the most accomplished players in baseball. He was a three-time MLB All-Star, two-time American League MVP, two-time home run leader, and 2023 home run leader among other accomplishments with the Angels.
Now that’s he on the Dodgers, Ohtani finally gets the chance to play for a consistent contender. He’s on a Dodgers team that finished with the No. 1 seed in the National League, and in turn, will play in the postseason for the first time on Saturday as the Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Ohtani was asked if he was nervous for his first time playing in the postseason. Before the question could even go through his interpreter for translation, Ohtani swiftly provided a one-word answer: “No,” via Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
The 30-year-old superstar appears to be unfazed as he prepares to play the most important baseball of his career. His reaction was not necessarily surprising, though. Even though Ohtani will play on the postseason stage for the first time, he regularly appears even-tempered through some of the bigger moments of the season and his career.
Ohtani might not be nervous, but this is the opportunity he has long waited for. Ohtani has made it clear that winning is his priorit, and a major reason he decided to sign with the Dodgers over other teams that were pursuing him in free agency last year. He has displayed this desire throughout the season too, saying that he would primarily like to hit 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases because it would help his team win.
Now, Ohtani can help the Dodgers win and try to bring home their eighth World Series title, starting with Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday.
Photo Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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