Shohei Ohtani reiterated his desire Monday to lead Japan to back-to-back World Baseball Classic championships in 2026 as he continues his strong start to life at his new club the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"It's important to do my best to stay among the top players first, in order to get picked," said Ohtani, who had expressed his hope to defend the title after his MVP-winning performance propelled Samurai Japan to the title in March 2023.
Ohtani's start to this season has been heavily hit by a fraud scandal involving his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who allegedly stole $16.98 million from Ohtani's account to cover gambling debts and other personal expenses. But that hasn't stopped the two-way star from leading Major League Baseball with a .336 batting average.
"I don't think my mental state affects my performance," Ohtani said. "I think I can get hits whatever mental state I'm in if I have established skills. I want to switch my focus when it comes to what I have to do on the field."
Ohtani has been nursing a bruised left hamstring after getting hit with a pickoff throw against the Cincinnati Reds on May 16. While that has led to manager Dave Roberts asking the player not to run at full pelt, Ohtani said it has "not much" impact on his swings.
The rehabilitation on his pitching right elbow is on track, Ohtani added after he had his second major surgery in September with a return to the mound eyed for next season.
"The distance was about 60 feet (18 meters) last week and the velocity was up to 80 miles (129 kilometers) per hour," Ohtani said. "I believe the distance and the number of pitches will go up gradually."
"There's a unique nervousness on the day I pitch, so I do miss it. But I'm at a stage where I need to take one step at a time. I won't fret over it and take the next step properly."
Ohtani also lauded his countryman Yu Darvish after the San Diego Padres right-hander earned his 200th career win across Japan and the United States on May 19, describing the feat as "wonderful" and "a great record."
