"Ohtani, Don't Hide Your Injury! Are You Planning to Ruin the LAD's Title?" U.S. Media Launches Sharp Criticism

*This content was translated by AI.

As the LA Dodgers prepare for the National League Division Series (NLDS), the first hurdle of the postseason, U.S. local media issued a stern warning to the team's key hitter Shohei Ohtani (32). The criticism urged him not to force himself into becoming a "hero" by enduring pain, but instead to be honest with the organization about his physical condition.

Dylan Hernandez, a reporter for the U.S.-based New York Post, wrote in an article on September 30 (Korean time), "Ohtani does not need to prove how much pain he can endure. He already showed that during the regular season." He added, "Now is not the time for Ohtani to play the hero; it is time for him to be honest," delivering a pointed critique.

The Dodgers will face the winner of the series between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, embarking on their journey toward a third consecutive World Series championship. However, Ohtani's physical condition was clearly not normal from the late regular season onward.

Ohtani had been placed on the 15th-day injured list (IL) due to pain in his right arm and left knee before returning with five games remaining in the season. In his two-game return series against the San Diego Padres, he appeared to be adjusting his timing by hitting balls all the way to the warning track. However, in the subsequent three-game road series finale against the San Francisco Giants, he went silent, managing only 2 hits and 5 strikeouts in 12 at-bats. Multiple U.S. media outlets have raised questions after catching unusual signs, such as Ohtani completely skipping his usual practice swings while waiting in the on-deck circle at Oracle Park.

The column also directly pointed out Ohtani's characteristic habit of "concealing injuries." Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes recently expressed optimism during a press briefing, stating, "Communication with Ohtani is going well, and I am confident that he will let us know if there are any changes in his condition." However, Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, had previously noted, "Ohtani is not always honest about reporting the state of his body." This is interpreted as a clash between Asian players who view "fighting spirit" as a virtue and the Major League system that requires players to be candid about their physical status.

In fact, the Dodgers front office initially believed Ohtani when he said his late-season slump was not due to injury, only to place him on the injured list later than expected. In August and September, the final months of the regular season, Ohtani struggled severely in 35 games, posting a .232 batting average with 6 home runs and 14 RBIs.

Hernandez raised his voice, stating, "If Ohtani is still experiencing physical issues as he did at the end of the regular season, he must inform the organization." The reason is that knowing Ohtani's exact condition allows the team to prepare a Plan B in case he cannot handle 4 or 5 at-bats normally, and enables Manager Dave Roberts to arrange the batting order effectively.

In particular, Hernandez stated, "Even just the intimidation factor alone makes Ohtani clearly a better choice as a designated hitter than prospect Jose De Paula (21)." However, he issued a strong warning: "If Ohtani is in a condition where he becomes an 'automatic out' due to injury but hides it, the Dodgers could simply wait for him to regain his timing and ultimately suffer a hollow elimination in the postseason."

Finally, Hernandez emphasized once again that what the Dodgers need, as they aim for the great feat of winning three consecutive World Series titles, is not an Ohtani who endures pain to step into the batter's box, but an "honest Ohtani" who coldly shares his limitations for the team's victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.