On Sunday, MLB fans got a chance to see why pundits are saying that Shohei Ohtani is primed to become the most successful two-way player of all time.
Last weekend, baseball fans were treated to the season’s first nationally televised Sunday Night game. And, boy, did they get a treat! Shohei Ohtani became the first pitcher in over a century (not since 1903) to bat second in the lineup. He also became the first-ever AL pitcher to bat instead of as a pitcher.
What’s more, Ohtani didn’t disappoint. He went 1-3, scoring one run and notching an RBI, and he pitched 4.2 innings, giving up only two hits while striking out seven batters. Wow!
Ohtani signed with the Angels as one of the highest international prospects of all time, but injuries hindered his productivity early. In my opinion, the Angels rushed him back before he was fully healed and ready for play. It showed, too. For Ohtani, 2020 was a year to forget in pitching (37.80 ERA in two games), but he was able to contribute with his bat despite hitting only .190 on the season. The reason was power–7 HRs and 24 RBIs in 153 at-bats.
Last Sunday, it was time for Ohtani to return to the mound, and the lights could not have been brighter. The Chicago White Sox, one of the better teams in the league, are not an easy matchup. He took the challenge and ended up dominating the South Siders.
Ohtani started the first inning by hitting 101 mph on the radar gun. Then, at-bat in the bottom of the first, he took a first-pitch fastball and put it 450 ft over the right-center wall. The only issue was his control as the pitch count mounted. To me, it looked like manager Joe Maddon pushed him to his limit. Stamina appeared to be an issue as Ohtani struggled after surpassing 70 pitches, and that’s a sure way to invite injury.
Ohtani didn’t get the win, and he also didn’t finish the game, but Ohtani’s pitching performance showed he’s ready to dominate this year. The same holds on the batting side. In seven games, Ohtani is hitting .280 with two HRs, a triple, and four RBIs. The only blemish is eight SOs in 25 at-bats.
I believe the sky is the limit as Ohtani looks to become the most successful two-way player of all time. The organization believes he can be a 10-win pitcher and hit 30 home runs. If that comes to pass, I think he’ll be the hands-down favorite to win AL MVP.
What’s more, Ohtani has the ability to get the Angels over the hump and into the playoffs. And as I wrote last time, it’s one of my best bets for MLB 2021.
