Baseball’s two-way marvel, Shohei Ohtani, isn’t known for shying away from adversity. So, when faced with the formidable task of rehabbing a pitching UCL injury while simultaneously preparing for the hitting season, he didn’t blink. Instead, he channeled his inner samurai spirit, drawing on the steely resolve forged in past battles to face this demanding, dual-wielding test.

“This is not my first time doing this rehabbing, while I’m getting ready for the season,” Shotime acknowledged it through his interpreter, Ippei-san, in a recent interview with SportsNet LA. “I did this back in ‘19, so I kinda know how to do it.” It feels like this time the steps will be smoother because he added, “I feel like it’ll be easier the second time around.”

Indeed, 2019 saw Shohei Ohtani undergo surgery for a rare kneecap condition, forcing him to bow out of the season’s final act. Per market reports, the surgery aimed to ensure his “two-way career” would continue its graceful pirouette into 2020. And continue it did!

Shohei Ohtani dazzled as both a pitcher and hitter afterward, solidifying his unique status as baseball’s ambidextrous maestro. Now, in 2024, the music starts anew, with a different tune to master. While the specifics of his current rehabilitation procedure remain under wraps, his unwavering confidence shines through.

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He emphasized the importance of open communication with his hitting coaches in the LA Dodgers clubhouse, highlighting the need to find the right harmony. This collaborative approach suggests a need for well-rehearsed choreography, which is crucial for navigating the demands of a dual role while managing an injury. Of course, the stage won’t be bathed in constant spotlights.

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Balancing rehab and training requires meticulous planning, unwavering discipline, and a hefty dose of mental fortitude. But the Unicorn’s proven track record speaks volumes. His 2019 experience equipped him with valuable tools: an intimate understanding of his body’s needs, the mental resilience to pirouette through discomfort, and an unwavering belief in his ability to excel on both sides of the diamond.

“I think it’s important to get an understanding on both ends,” Shohei Ohtani shared in the interview, emphasizing the two-way nature of the challenges he will be facing with the new team. “They need to know what I’m trying to do, and I need to know what the team is trying to do, so right now we’re trying to get on the same page and trying to go forward.” And the pressure is even higher this year.

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The Dodgers and their cross-town rivals, the San Diego Padres, kick off the season with a two-game exhibition series in South Korea on March 20 and 21. The Boys in Blue, including Shohei Ohtani, began reporting to spring training on February 9, a few days earlier than most MLB teams to accommodate this unique international opener.

So, will Shohei Ohtani once again silence doubters and emerge as baseball’s ultimate warrior? When he finally steps onto the field this season, expect nothing less than a masterclass in perseverance and talent, a testament to the extraordinary potential that lies within the two-way wonder.