The Los Angeles Angels took two of three games from the Minnesota Twins this past weekend, and Shohei Ohtani received some of the highest praise from one of Major League Baseball’s premier players.
On Sept. 23, the Angels notched a 4-2 win over the Twins, with Ohtani earning his 14th victory of the season. His game line isn’t the prettiest, but despite walking six batters over five innings, he punched out seven. When Ohtani struck out Gary Sanchez in the fourth inning, he earned his 200th strikeout of the season, making him just the 11th pitcher in Angels history to do so.
Ohtani is having a better year than his MVP season in 2021, but his season isn’t lost in the mix among the game’s best, namely Twin’s shortstop and World Series winner, Carlos Correa, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“What makes what Shohei is doing even more impressive isn’t the fact he can throw 100 mph or hit a ball 500 feet, it’s that he can stay healthy through it all,”Correa said. “That’s just so tough. Pitching every six or seven days and hitting every day, that’s what impresses me the most. … As you can tell, I’m a fan. I’ve got a lot of admiration for the guy. I think he is the best player to ever cross the lines in Major League history.”
Outside of Ohtani’s early career, he’s played in nearly every game while in an Angels uniform in recent years. Last season he played in 158 games and heading into play on Sept. 29, he crossed the 150-game mark this season.
His health and availability haven’t been a concern, and he is a modern marvel in today’s era of baseball.
Mike Trout hasn’t seen anyone like Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani is the total package in every respect as he has 40-plus home run potential and a ridiculous arsenal of pitches. The 28-year-old had all of his tools on display last season as he led the league in multiple categories en route to winning the American League MVP Award.
Ohtani seemingly is getting better with each game and will once again be in the conversation for the honor this year. While he posted better numbers at the plate last season, the two-way star has fared better on the mound in 2022.
Mike Trout, who knows a thing or two about winning MVP awards, believes Ohtani is an even better pitcher than hitter.