Shohei Ohtani on Clayton Kershaw: Watching him every day teaches me a lot; maintaining focus for so many years is very challenging.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are presently in first place in the National League West. It was noted earlier that Shohei Ohtani could potentially act as a closer during the playoffs. Today, Ohtani commented on the postseason: "My duty is to pitch the innings assigned to me and try to maximize the team's winning probability."

The Dodgers currently top the NL West with a 77-57 record, holding just a two-game advantage over the Padres. With injured players gradually returning, they have a chance to make the playoffs.

Today, Shohei Ohtani started as a two-way player against the Reds, earning his first win in 749 days and marking his first victory with the Dodgers. He will be a key pitching and hitting asset for the Dodgers in the playoffs.

When asked about hitting in the playoffs, Ohtani stated, "Right now, the starting rotation is complete, and the bullpen is stable. My role is to pitch the innings I'm given to help improve the team's win chances, and I also hope to pitch more innings to ease the bullpen's workload."

Veteran Clayton Kershaw has appeared in 17 games since returning from injury in May, achieving a 9-2 record. Ohtani said, "You can see his focus whenever he pitches; maintaining that level of concentration for so many years is extremely difficult. Delivering such outstanding results during that time is truly admirable. Watching him daily, I learn a lot."