Shohei Ohtani opens up about winning 1st World Series with ailing shoulder: "I'm relieved I don't have to get a pain reliever anymore"

Shohei Ohtani would have expected a better individual performance in his first World Series appearance, but, for him, the end result is all that matters. The Dodgers superstar won the world championship in his first year of his partnership with the ballclub.

Ohtani batted 2-for-19 with no RBIs in five games of the Fall Classic. Having missed out in Game 1, his series derailed when he partially dislocated his left shoulder while trying to steal a base in the second game. In an incredible feat of will power and strength, the DH recovered in time to feature in the New York leg of the series.

Shohei Ohtani's swing looked to be affected, and he also had to fold his left arm while trying to cover the bases. Despite his best efforts, he managed just one hit in the three games.

In his post-game interviews, the 30-year-old was asked about the extent of his shoulder while also managing a recovering elbow injury that has kept him from pitching all year. Ohtani said that there will be further inspection in the offseason about it but for now he's happy to be getting off the medicines.

"In terms of my shoulder, I do have to get it checked out again just to make sure everything is okay. I do hope that it is okay. I am really happy that I don't have to drink any more pain killers," Ohtani said via his interpreter Will Ireton (0:43).

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Shohei Ohtani hopeful to get on the mound next year

Last August, Shohei Ohtani was shut down after suffering a second major injury to his pitching elbow.

He missed out on his highly acclaimed two-way abilities. But the generational player expects that his wait to take the mound in the Dodger Blue will end next year.

"Compared to my first time, rehabbing my elbow, I think this time has been a lot better. So I do hope being able to pitch when the regular season start," Ohtani said, via Ireton (1:16).

These are certainly exciting times for Dodgers fans, as one of the most successful teams in the last 10 years is expected to only get better and bulk up for more championships in the future.