Shohei Ohtani feels “anticipated and excited” for postseason, press conference before Braves game

Shohei Ohtani of the Major League Dodgers held a press conference at his home base in Los Angeles on the 2nd (3rd Japan time), the day before the opening of the district series against the Braves.

The main exchanges are as follows.

--What are your honest feelings as you approach the postseason for the third time in your career?

``The season has been long, but I guess that's the feeling of anticipation and excitement that it's finally starting.''

--He was placed on the injured list in early September due to inflammation in his right upper arm. The current state is

"I'm getting a lot better. My swing is smoother. I want to make sure to make adjustments again today and go into tomorrow."

--Did you gain anything from the final five games of the regular season after your return?

``During the IL period, I came to the stadium and did various things, and I did everything I could. I think I was trying things out in the last few days, sorting out what I wanted to do and what I wanted to do.''

--In practice a few days ago, you played against pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

"I think it was a meaningful time for both of us in terms of developing a sense of actual combat. It was a long time ago, wasn't it? It was the last time we played against each other. I think the impression was quite different (from back then)."

--A difficult season with injuries. Have you ever felt like throwing it away?

“Immediately find a solution, continue this...