"I'm not trying to force it, Shohei Ohtani's not trying to force it" - Miguel Rojas credits natural bond with Japanese superstar for global fame
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas talked to MLB podcaster Chris Rose about his brotherhood with Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, Rojas and the rest of their teammates ended August on a high, winning four series in a row.
On Monday's episode of "Chris Rose Rotation," Rojas talked about his bond with Ohtani: (6:38)
"I consider him a friend, more than a teammate. Every single day when he does something, or I do something, we really get emotional. Every single time we get a new celebration or something to do.
The relationship has been real, I'm not trying to force it and he's not trying to force it, it's just something that's been happening throughout the year, just because we respect each other and we really enjoy being with each other in the same team."
A picture of Ohtani and Rojas celebrating together after a home run recently went viral in Japan, highlighting the friendship between the two. Rojas talked about how that has led to him getting attention from baseball fans and media globally.
"This picture (of Shohei and Rojas Celebrating) that you showed right now is going viral in Japan, it's because of him and the figure that he is over there. I'm actually getting more attention from the Japanese Media than the American Media."
Shohei Ohtani inches closer to 50-50 season as Dodgers win series in Arizona
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-6 on Monday, winning the four-game series at Chase Field in the process. Jack Flaherty continued his strong season, registering a quality outing as he struck out seven and gave up only one earned run.
Shohei Ohtani continues to inch closer to a historic 50-50 season, as the Japanese hitter stole three bases in Monday's game; number 44, 45, and 46 for the season. The 30 year old has a .292 batting average, 44 home runs and 98 RBIs for the current campaign.
Next, the Dodgers take on fellow LA rivals the Los Angeles Angels, as Ohtani returns to his former . Currently the owners of the best win/loss record in the majors at 83-55, Ohtani and co. will be looking to further improve their stats at Angel Stadium.