Shohei Ohtani’s two-way role was something with almost no precedent in both Japanese professional baseball and Major League Baseball.
Because of that, managers and coaches had no choice but to proceed with caution, carefully experimenting with how to utilize him.
The Los Angeles Angels initially followed a unique approach inspired by his time in Japan. They used a six-man rotation and avoided letting him bat for several days before and after his starts.
In MLB, where a four-day rotation is standard, this was highly unusual.
The organization’s priority was clear: protect Ohtani’s health while allowing him to continue as a two-way player.
In June of his rookie season, Ohtani was placed on the disabled list due to a blister. Medical tests revealed no serious issues, and Ohtani himself fully intended to make his next start.
However, the team chose to rest him as a precaution.
While this decision reflected how much the Angels valued him, Ohtani felt differently.
“They’re being overly protective of me.”
He appreciated the care, but at the same time, he was eager to play.
He was always ready to compete.
Eventually, the Angels allowed him to take on a heavier workload. By 2022, Ohtani achieved something unprecedented in modern baseball—qualifying for both pitching innings and plate appearances.
For Ohtani, playing the game is not a burden.
It is something he genuinely loves, beyond fatigue or difficulty.
Source
This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.
Shohei Ohtani: The Young Baseball Genius II – MLB Edition 2018–2024, p.24