There is a saying that the heaviest thing in the world is the eyelid, meaning that drowsiness does not come easily. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) is struggling against drowsiness. After returning from the Tokyo series against the Chicago Cubs, he is having difficulty adjusting to the time difference.
According to a report by Japanese sports media 'Tokyo Sports' on 28th (Korean time), Ohtani is still struggling to adjust to the time difference despite sleeping more than 10 hours a day. He noted, "I think drowsiness is the greatest when the game starts, so I think it's important to be awake when needed and to get good sleep when I can."
Ohtani will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 8th of next month. It has been a tradition for the U.S. President to invite and congratulate the World Series champion team at the White House. Ohtani said, "Of course I will be with the team, but since I am still struggling to adjust to the time difference, I hope to recover fully."
The Dodgers held a ceremony for last year's World Series championship before their home opener against the Detroit Tigers on 28th at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Ohtani expressed his hopes, stating, "Since it is the opening game, there was no pressure. I have already accustomed to the atmosphere since it has started, and I want to win again this year."
Meanwhile, Ohtani exploded his second home run of the season during the home opener against Detroit. Batting in the No. 1 designated hitter spot, Ohtani stepped to the plate with two outs and nobody on in the 7th inning, leading 4-3. After a full count against Hanni, he connected on the sixth pitch for a two-run home run to left field. He tasted the home run success again nine days after hitting his first home run in the second game of the Tokyo series against the Chicago Cubs on the 19th.
Manager Dave Roberts commented on Ohtani's home run, saying, "It's amazing that he pushed through to create a home run. His performance never disappoints."
He added, "Ohtani, entering his second year after the transfer, will likely feel more pressure than last year, but I see him in a good mental state. It's truly rewarding to see him playing joyfully."
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