Ohtani plays through knee injury, says contributing to Dodgers' playoff push is key

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani played through a left knee injury on August 6, delivering a strong offensive performance with three hits, including two home runs, in a 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs. This marked his first multi-homer game of the season, though it wasn't enough to prevent the Dodgers from suffering their sixth consecutive loss.

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If you want to completely avoid injury, then of course you shouldn't play. That way, you won't get hurt, and your injury won't worsen. But I think there isn't a single player who competes at 100% health.

Ohtani, who has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee inflammation, addressed his decision to play despite the injury. "If you want to completely avoid injury, then of course you shouldn't play," Ohtani said. "That way, you won't get hurt, and your injury won't worsen. But I think there isn't a single player who competes at 100% health."

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I think you have to adjust your rhythm, minimize risks, and continue to play and contribute to the team to help them get into the playoffs.

He explained his approach to managing the injury, stating, "I think you have to adjust your rhythm, minimize risks, and continue to play and contribute to the team to help them get into the playoffs." Ohtani acknowledged that his treatment time has increased and his training options are limited. "Although I can't do things as usual, I still want to do the best I can with what I can do now."

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Although I can't do things as usual, I still want to do the best I can with what I can do now.

Despite the physical limitations, Ohtani believes his offensive contributions are valuable. "As a member of the team's lineup, I can still make contributions," he said. "Plus, I'm not playing defense. If you ask if the risk is extremely high, I don't think it is. I think I'm taking a little bit of risk, but in comparison, the possibility of me contributing to the team is higher, so I chose to continue playing."

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As a member of the team's lineup, I can still make contributions. Plus, I'm not playing defense. If you ask if the risk is extremely high, I don't think it is. I think I'm taking a little bit of risk, but in comparison, the possibility of me contributing to the team is higher, so I chose to continue playing.