Will Having Another Japanese Player in the Dodgers’ Clubhouse Help Shohei Ohtani?

It goes without saying that having another native Japanese speaker as a teammate will help Yoshinobu Yamamoto in his transition to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball.

But will having Yamamoto around to speak his native language help Shohei Ohtani?

Dave Roberts believes so. The manager explained to reporters after the Dodgers’ win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday how the two can benefit each other:

“I think it’s enormous. I really believe comfort leads to performance, and confidence, and so to have someone who speaks your language — whether it’s Spanish, English, Japanese, Korean — it just makes things more comfortable and more familiar. I believe that’s even going to help Shohei more. I really do. And not only Yoshinobu.”

— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts

Other than his interpreter, trainer, and a member of the team’s public relations staff, there were not any Japanese speakers in the Angels’ clubhouse during Ohtani’s time with the team (2018-23).

It’s scary — but not inconceivable — to think Ohtani still has untapped potential after winning two American League MVP awards in six seasons in Anaheim. After all, both he and Yamamoto are entering their first season with a new organization. There are nuances for Ohtani to master around what the Dodgers emphasize with their pitchers and hitters that might be easier to grasp by having a second native Japanese speaker close by.

Although playing in the United States isn’t new for Ohtani, playing in Los Angeles is. Having Yamamoto around to explore his new surroundings away from Dodger Stadium can never be a bad thing. It might even translate to added comfort once he gets to the field.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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