SAN DIEGO – Judge by the results.

Shohei Ohtani might not say it directly, but his quiet demeanor speaks volumes about his approach over the years.

He tends to keep his thoughts to himself, avoiding details about his training and offering little insight into his personality.

Ohtani’s influence on public perception seems largely restricted to his on-field performance.

When he launched a leadoff home run and pitched five scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 4-0 victory over the Padres, he didn’t boast or say anything like, “I told you so.” There simply wasn’t a need.

He made his point through his actions.

This game served as a chance for Ohtani to counter the belief that his dual role as a pitcher was hindering his performance as a hitter. And the way he played was far more compelling than any words could convey.

Perhaps that’s why he opted for a diplomatic tone afterward.

Instead of bemoaning his limited use as a designated hitter in recent games, Ohtani suggested that it was up to him to earn a more prominent role in the lineup.

“For them to want me to do both [pitch and hit in one game],” Ohtani mentioned in Japanese, “I think that’s the best thing for me. If I can achieve good results like I did today, I believe there’s a chance I’ll be utilized more as a two-way player.”

In a way, Ohtani reached out to team management.

While he had expressed openness to taking breaks from batting, he never fully endorsed that idea. What he communicates—through his words and actions—might hold more weight than anything else.

In the past week, he wasn’t the Dodgers’ designated hitter twice: once on the day he pitched and the following day.

When asked about this arrangement, he remarked, “I think the team is considering many factors to help me navigate this long season, so I agree with that perspective. If we understand each other and go game by game, whether resting or playing, I believe we’ll enhance our chances of performing well.”

After the game, he appeared calm, polite, and focused on making his case.

Manager Dave Roberts noted, “I think he cares a lot about what’s said about him, and perhaps he channels that into motivation to prove doubters wrong.”

Ohtani set the tone right from the start.

On the first pitch of the game, he nailed a high fastball from Padres starter Randy Vasquez, sending it soaring over the center field wall in Petco Park—his second home run in 18 games.

“I considered letting it pass,” Ohtani reflected. “It felt like a home run I managed to hit after a quick reaction. I think it’s a home run that could pave the way for more.”

He finished the game with an 0-for-3 record in the remaining at-bats, but he expressed satisfaction with the quality of his swings overall.

This was the first game of the season where he started but didn’t pitch six innings, leading to some dissatisfaction with his performance on the mound. Although he didn’t elaborate, Ohtani mentioned feeling “a little bit of anxiety” since he had been anxious about pitching the previous day.

“I think it was somewhat challenging because he didn’t seem to be at his best,” Roberts stated. “In the third or fourth inning, we could see him managing his fastball and pushing himself further when necessary.”

In the fifth inning, with one out and the bases loaded against him, Ohtani threw a first-pitch sweeper to Fernando Tatis Jr., who grounded into an inning-ending double play, allowing Ohtani to visibly celebrate.

His assertion had been validated.