Since winning the league MVP in 2021, Shohei Ohtani’s performance has been extraordinary. At the same time, concerns have continued about the risks of playing almost every game as a two-way player without sufficient rest.

In the summer of 2023, Ohtani threw a one-hit shutout as a pitcher in the first game of a doubleheader. Less than an hour later, in the second game, he hit two home runs as a designated hitter, contributing to the team’s winning streak. However, in the following game, he suffered cramps in both legs and was forced to leave early.

Naturally, there were growing voices suggesting that he should get more rest.

Throughout his five years with the Nippon-Ham Fighters and his first three years with the Angels (2018–2020), while everyone recognized his two-way talent, teams continuously struggled with how best to utilize him. At times, they were even criticized for being overly cautious.

Yet through it all, Ohtani himself never wavered in his stance: “I want to be used more. I want to play in more games.”

As if responding to that desire, from 2021 onward, the Angels lifted restrictions and allowed him to play as long as he wished. From that point on, his performance became truly dominant.

Even in his first year with the Dodgers, although he served exclusively as a designated hitter, Ohtani missed only three games.

For Ohtani, who believes that every time he pitches or steps up to the plate he can learn something new, playing in games is directly connected to his own growth.

Source

This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.

Sho-Time: Shohei Ohtani, the Man Who Changed 120 Years of Major League History, p.128