Q. Last year you had your first experience in the postseason, but it was as a position player, as the DH. This year it's as a two-way player. What are your emotions going to be, taking the mound for the first time in the postseason?
SHOHEI OHTANI: Just really looking forward to it.
Q. You've been in this environment before. People talk about being intimidated or the stage being too big for other players. But in your case, do you actually live for these type of moments, being in these hostile environments to perform at your best?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I'm sure I'll be nervous at times. But more than that, I'm just really grateful that I get to play baseball at this time of the year. And just being healthy is really important to me, so I'm just grateful for that.
Q. How important was that start you had against the Phillies a couple of weeks ago, to be able to be that good against a team that was that talented? Was that the first time you've felt you've moved out of the rehab phase of your pitching progression this year?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I'm very glad that I was able to end the rehab progression at that moment. And specifically about the postseason and facing the Phillies, they're a really good team. With that being said, we're coming up through the Wild Card side, so we're in a position to be the challenger.
Q. Andrew said you were going to be treated like a normal pitcher throughout this October. What do you think that could mean in terms of your availability in relief, pitching with less than your usual rest? Do you feel like you'd be able to do that if needed?
SHOHEI OHTANI: The principle I follow is, hitting-wise, pitching-wise, it's up to the coaching staff to make the determination when to pitch. My intention as a starting pitcher is to go five, six innings. And if the coaching staff thinks that I'll be somewhat be able to be utilized in different situations, then I'll be ready for that.
Q. What do you know about the Philadelphia fan base, if anything? And what are you expecting out of the atmosphere tomorrow?
SHOHEI OHTANI: They're known to be very passionate fans. The atmosphere, I'm sure, is going to be passionate and rocking, as well. And one thing I do know is that they serve really good Phillies cheesesteaks at the clubhouse. (Laughter.)
Q. You've mentioned your recent start against the Phillies and of course you dominated that one. But they'll adjust to you. What are some of the challenges of kind of turning around in such a short time frame?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I'm sure there's pros and cons on both sides as a pitcher and hitters facing me. Having the history provides a little more context. We're going to find out tomorrow.
Q. We often see starting pitchers in the postseason experience a bump in their fastball velocity. Is that something that maybe you anticipate happening to you tomorrow? And if so, how you do you plan to channel that adrenaline in a productive way?
SHOHEI OHTANI: I'm aware that there are pitchers who get excited and their velo goes up, and there's some it just stays pretty much the same. If I were to pick a side, I'm probably the one that really the velo goes up.
But that being said, I need to make sure I'm poised and balanced. And it's just going to be how well I can compose myself out there as well.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports