October 28, 2024
New York, New York, USA
Yankee Stadium
Los Angeles Dodgers
Postgame 3 Press Conference
Dodgers - 4, Yankees - 2
Q. Shohei, when you first got hurt, how bad did you think it was? Did you think your season might be over? Then at what point were you confident that you could play in this game?
SHOHEI OHTANI: Initially I wasn't really exactly sure. I was really concerned about whether I was safe or out. It was only when I went back inside where we had to figure out what it was.
The pain has subsided, so I felt pretty good about it.
Q. Was the shoulder impacting your swing at all? Did you feel it at all when you were at the plate tonight?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I taped myself up today. So it did feel different from compared to when I don't tape myself. The last at-bat, I felt like, if I took that ball, it would have been a walk. So I still felt like I had a pretty good at-bat there.
Q. What was the thing you were wearing when you came out on the field during pregame introductions? And then why were you holding your jersey when you were running the bases?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I was told to wear a device that keeps my shoulder warm. So during the ceremony and throughout the game, I was wearing that per recommended by the trainers.
The reason why I was holding on to myself when I was running is to make sure that I wouldn't use that same shoulder arm if I were to slide.
Q. Was there any difficulty keeping your top hand on the bat when you were swinging?
SHOHEI OHTANI: If it was more of the right shoulder, then I think it would have impacted my swing. Thankfully, it was my left, so I don't think it really did.
Q. How does it feel being one game away from achieving what I would assume is one of the goals you've had since you learned about Major League Baseball?
SHOHEI OHTANI: It's just really focusing on winning the game tomorrow as a team, and there's nothing better than to be able to have the opportunity to do so.
Q. Is there any chance you will need surgery for this when the season is over?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I haven't had further conversations about the future plan. I think it's something that's going to happen after the season is over, do additional testing. But in terms of how I feel now, I don't think so.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
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