Shohei Ohtani’s initial days with the Los Angeles Dodgers have been tough. Apart from the known fact that change is hard, the heavy weight of the controversy involving Ippei Mizuhara, his formerly trusted confidant, has put the two-way phenom under great scrutiny. Amid a tumultuous time period, Ohtani seems to have found solace in his team. 

Back to basics, I guess. Yes, he is an international player who now plays on American solid. Yes, he has a great fanbase back home as well. Yes, there’s no one like him at present. But Ohtani has shown that despite all the pomp and show surrounding his name, he is “really grateful and thankful” that the team has supported him through this rocky phase. 

Shohei Ohtani’s Words of Gratitude For His Teammates Amid Chaos

Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani were almost always seen together. But after the news of his confidant’s gambling problem broke followed by his instant firing and the revelation that he stole millions, the rift between the two has been unfixable. 

In a recent communication with the press, the Unicorn was asked about the absence of his former interpreter. Ohtani grimly addressed it saying, “It’s only been a couple of weeks since then, and it’s not like I’ve been doing much aside from just being at the hotel or at home. I’m just really grateful and thankful that the team and the personnel has supported me throughout this process”. 

Clearly, this betrayal has not been easy on the 29-year-old. However, his performance on-field remains unaffected by all the chaotic commotion. One of the reasons could be that he has, in fact, turned to connecting more with his fellow teammates. Noticing this the Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts said, “Each day we’re learning more. Each day he’s becoming more and more comfortable. He’s laughing a ton. He’s asking questions.”

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Ohtani Remains Unfazed By the Off-Field Commotion

This camaraderie might be something that has contributed to the phenom playing dominantly (like he always does) despite the UCL injury that he is recovering from. Well, about that, there’s good news. Seems like the rehabilitation program is “going according to plan”. Proof? This recovery has not affected his performance at the plate. 

Roberts too attested this optimistic outlook. He said, “With super athletes, I’ve learned just don’t be surprised anymore. Shohei’s just a different athlete. He really is. And those kinds of special athletes, they recover faster, they recover better, and he’s just in that rare class.”  Rightly put, Ohtani is a super athlete after all. Also, one thing is clear, whether his friend is by his side or not, his teammates are. 

Read More : Shohei Ohtani Elevates His Form With Big Performance, Escapes Off-Field Noise Amidst Ippei Mizuhara Investigation