Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter, will play in the postseason for the first time in his MLB career on Saturday. Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers in December on a 10-year, $700 million contract, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels never made the playoffs when Ohtani was on the team, and they haven’t since 2014. Even though he did not make the postseason, Ohtani remains one of baseball’s most accomplished players. He was a three-time MLB All-Star, two-time American League MVP, two-time home run leader, and 2023 home run leader with the Angels, among other accolades.
Now that he’s with the Dodgers, Ohtani will have the opportunity to play for a consistent contender. He’s on a Dodgers club that finished top in the National League and will play in the postseason for the first time on Saturday, when they face the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Ohtani was asked if he was anxious about his first postseason appearance. Before the inquiry could be translated by his interpreter, Ohtani responded with a single word: “No,” according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
The 30-year-old slugger appears unconcerned as he prepares to play the most significant baseball game of his career. However, his reply was not very surprising. Despite the fact that Ohtani will be playing in the postseason for the first time, he has consistently appeared composed at some of the season’s and his career’s most important moments.
Ohtani may not be worried, but this is an opportunity he has long awaited. Ohtani has made it obvious that winning is his top priority, which is why he chose to sign with the Dodgers over other teams seeking him in free agency last year. He has expressed this ambition throughout the season, stating that he would like to hit 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases to help his team win.
Ohtani can now help the Dodgers win and claim their seventh World Series triumph, which begins with Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday.
