Shohei Ohtani, the star pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels, raised concerns when he left the mound in the middle of an at-bat during the second inning on Wednesday. The team later revealed that Ohtani was experiencing arm fatigue, prompting the coaching staff to intervene. This unexpected exit from the game left fans and analysts worried about the potential impact on Ohtani’s performance and the Angels’ playoff aspirations.
A Brief Evaluation
During a 2-2 count against Cincinnati Reds’ third baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Ohtani’s fastball reached only 94 mph before the Angels’ training staff came out to assess his condition. With just 26 pitches thrown, Ohtani stepped off the mound and engaged in a short discussion with the staff. The Angels would go on to lose the game 9-4, leaving a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Ohtani’s future contributions.
Ohtani’s arm discomfort seems to have persisted for a couple of weeks, although he assured his manager, Phil Nevin, that he did not feel any pain. Nevin acknowledged that Ohtani’s arm had been bothering him for some time. The decision to exit the game was likely a precautionary measure to avoid exacerbating any underlying issue.
A Tale of Two Games
Remarkably, despite his pitching concerns, Ohtani managed to hit his 44th home run of the season during the first inning of the opening game. This two-run blast further solidified his prominence as the major league leader in home runs. However, Ohtani did not continue on the field as a pitcher and was replaced by rookie Nolan Schanuel. Nevertheless, Ohtani returned as the designated hitter for the second game of the doubleheader, albeit with a disappointing 1-for-5 performance.
A Worthy Rest
It is important to note that Ohtani recently skipped a turn in the rotation as part of a strategic decision to provide his arm with much-needed rest. The demanding schedule and grueling nature of a long summer season took a toll on Ohtani’s velocity, causing concerns about his ability to consistently perform at peak levels. Nevin observed a decline in Ohtani’s pitching speeds during the game against the Reds, prompting him to check on the superstar player personally.
Ohtani has been no stranger to injuries throughout his career, enduring blisters, cramps, and other minor ailments in his pitching hand. Despite these setbacks, he has admirably pushed through while maintaining his offensive prowess as the team’s designated hitter. In 2019, Ohtani showcased his resilience by playing 106 games as the Angels’ DH while recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, the recent incident involving cramping in his hand and fingers against the Seattle Mariners on August 3 demonstrates the challenging nature of pitching injuries.
Managerial Decisions
The Angels’ decision to replace Ohtani with Tyler Anderson on the mound suggests that they may have anticipated a short start from Ohtani. Anderson, a regular member of the rotation, was initially expected to start the upcoming game against the New York Mets. This strategic choice indicates a cautious approach by the team’s coaching staff, prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term well-being over short-term gains.
Unwavering MVP Candidacy
Despite these recent setbacks, Ohtani remains a prime candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His exceptional two-way abilities have been on full display throughout the season, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s brightest stars. With a remarkable 10-5 record and a 3.17 ERA as a pitcher, along with his 91 RBIs, Ohtani’s impact on the game is undeniable.
The abrupt exit of Shohei Ohtani due to arm fatigue has raised significant concerns within the baseball community. While Ohtani reassures everyone that he is not experiencing pain, the persistent discomfort in his pitching arm should not be taken lightly. The Angels must carefully manage Ohtani’s workload and provide him with ample rest to ensure his long-term success. Despite the challenges, Ohtani’s remarkable performance and unwavering MVP candidacy should not be overshadowed, as he continues to astound fans and experts alike with his extraordinary skills on both the pitching mound and at the plate.
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