Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is expected to remain in the lineup during the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. According to a Los Angeles Times headline, manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is adamant he feels good enough to keep playing.
The Times describes Ohtani emerging from the visiting dugout at American Family Field with a bat in his hand on Monday. Media members spread along the third-base line in foul territory shifted toward him as he did.
Monday was the third straight day Ohtani hit on the field, the Times reports. He took multiple rounds off the pitching machine on the workout day, then hit batting practice before each of the first two games of the series.
The routine stands out. The Times notes Ohtani took batting practice on the field only a few times during the regular season, and always while in a slump.
Speaking Tuesday through interpreter Will Ireton, Ohtani said he takes full responsibility for his results. He said the results have not been where he wanted them to be.
He also described different ways of approaching the issue. One is reducing symptoms and getting rid of pain. Another is making sure he is moving well in his swing, according to the Times. The captured text includes a photo caption showing Ohtani walking to the dugout after a strikeout in Game 1 of the NLCS.