The Dodgers are one of two MLB teams this season with two Japanese-born players, neither a native English speaker. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers for a combined $1.025 million last December. Each utilizes an interpreter to help them communicate with the media, coaches and teammates.
In an interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain on Wednesday, Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack shared what it is like to have Ohtani and Yamamoto in the clubhouse.
“They’re just dudes,” Knack said to McKain. “They’re really good people, just fun to be around like good personality guys.