Shohei Ohtani hits 11 free-bats, Dodgers head coach says his condition is not 100%

Shohei Ohtani. (AP)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] The defending Dodgers will start the National League Division Series with the Warriors tomorrow. The status of Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani has attracted much attention. Today he blasted 11 homers in a free strike practice, announcing his domineering return with full blood.

Ohtani Shohei said at the pre-match press conference today that he is currently in very good condition, but head coach Dave Roberts expressed reservations: "Freddie Freeman is in a similar situation to him. He is not 100% in condition, and Shohei is not 100%, but both of them will enter the starting lineup."

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Robles emphasized that at this stage, most players are not 100% in shape. "Of course, Shohei's presence as a player is very big, so this will become a topic of more concern. I can't say too much about Shohei, but I know that once the playoffs start, his concentration will be further improved. I expect him to perform great, but we haven't fully seen that state yet, so it's not to the extent that I can predict, but I hope he plays well."

Today, Ohtani started outdoor free hitting at home. After completing the base running training, he entered the batting cage. In the first round, he hit 1 homer in 5 swings. In the second round, he started to increase the intensity. In 7 swings, he had 3 balls in the stands. Then in the third round, Ohtani swung the bat seven times and hit four homers, including one three-homer, one of which hit the uppermost bleachers in right field, with an estimated flight distance of 135 meters (approximately 442 feet). The fourth round ended with three consecutive homers, for a total of 11 homers in Ohtani's 23 swings, showing an excellent form.

After that, Ohtani also conducted live pitching practice (Live BP). After facing Emmet Sheehan (Emmet Sheehan) in the first batter, after 2 good and 2 bad, he swung a high-angle fastball and was struck out. In the second batter, he hit a strong fly ball to right field.

Dodgers head coach Robles watches Ohtani batting practice. (AP)