Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Emphasizes Importance of Rest

Ohtani shares an eye-opening perspective on the role of rest in athletic performance.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has emphasized the importance of rest and recovery for professional athletes, stating that "taking rest takes courage and skipping it altogether is another form of practice." Ohtani, the reigning NL MVP and World Series champion, is set to represent Team Japan in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

Ohtani's comments challenge the common narrative that relentless grinding and constant practice are the keys to athletic greatness. By highlighting the value of rest and recovery, Ohtani provides a more balanced perspective on the path to excellence, which could inspire young athletes to better incorporate rest into their training routines.

The details

Speaking to reporters before the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani made it clear that rest is just as crucial as practice in his pursuit of greatness. "Taking rest takes courage and skipping it altogether is another form of practice," the Dodgers star said. This message counters the often-glorified "grind culture" in professional sports, where athletes are expected to work tirelessly without breaks.

  • Ohtani made the comments before the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A superstar player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who won the NL MVP award and the World Series title in 2025. He is set to represent Team Japan in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Dodgers Nation

A media outlet that covers the Los Angeles Dodgers and shared Ohtani's quote on their X (formerly Twitter) account.

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What they’re saying

“Taking rest takes courage and skipping it altogether is another form of practice.”

— Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers Nation)

What’s next

Ohtani will look to lead Team Japan to a defense of their World Baseball Classic title in the upcoming tournament.

The takeaway

Ohtani's perspective on the importance of rest challenges the common narrative in sports that constant grinding and practice are the only paths to greatness. His message could inspire young athletes to better incorporate recovery and rejuvenation into their training routines, potentially leading to more sustainable long-term success.