NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: DODGERS VS BREWERS

October 13, 2026

Shohei Ohtani

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. Dave just spoke to us, and he said that he had a conversation with you this afternoon and you shared that you feel better, you feel convicted, and that you are ready to go. What are you feeling, and what is the difference with something you maybe found in your swing that might lead to better results?

SHOHEI OHTANI: The symptoms have subdued a lot, especially when I was on the IL, spending that time just being able to reduce the symptoms. As of now with the swing, it's a daily process of trying different things, different feel on a daily basis.

Q. Dave said that you were convicted and adamant that you were close to finding something mechanically. What makes you feel that way?

SHOHEI OHTANI: Over the course of this long season, there's only really a short period of time when my mechanics is completely in sync. So it's just really kind of just going back and forth, finding the right parts of the swing and managing just the different parts of the swing. So it's a constant, ongoing process that's headed in the right direction.

Q. How much are your mechanics right now still being impacted by your injuries? And even if the symptoms have subsided, why has that not translated to better results at the plate so far in the playoffs?

SHOHEI OHTANI: The results, take full responsibility. That's all I can really say, why the results haven't been where I wanted it to be. But I think there's different approaches to this, whether that be focusing on reducing the symptoms and getting rid of the pain and/or just making sure that I'm moving well in the swing.

Q. We know about the biceps and the knee. Is there anything else that you've been dealing with physically that you feel like has been limiting you at all?

SHOHEI OHTANI: The symptoms shouldn't be the reason why I can't hit, and even if the injuries happen by accident, I take full responsibility. I take that as an opportunity for me to just take full responsibility for it. Today it's going to be another process for me to tinker and try new things.

Q. With all the questions about your health and your performance, how much are you taking this as a personal challenge to help your team win this series?

SHOHEI OHTANI: The number one priority is for the team to win. So whether that be for me to contribute on the offensive side, I do want to feel confident in the approach that I'm taking on that day, whether that be mechanical or anything else. So that's really just been my focus overall.

Q. Do you think that playing through these injuries for as long as you did created any bad habits with your swing, and is that why your mechanics have been off for so long?

SHOHEI OHTANI: Managing the pain throughout the season and being on the IL, I take those experiences as a positive experience. So it's just really for me the focus is how do I bring that to the game and make adjustments as necessary.