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Los Angeles Angels say all systems go for Shohei Ohtani

By David Hill

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels runs to first base after he hit a ground ball back to the pitcher in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 19, 2020 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels runs to first base after he hit a ground ball back to the pitcher in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 19, 2020 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Shohei Ohtani remains one of the great unknowns in the game. Despite having spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, it is still uncertain as to what he can be in the majors. He showed flashes of his two way potential as a rookie before injuries forced him off the mound, but struggled in his two outings in 2020. Likewise, he showed promise as a power bat in the Angels lineup in his first two years, but cratered last season.

The gloves are off this year. According to manager Joe Maddon, there will not be any specific rules for Ohtani, and that he will be “full go” as a two way player.

Los Angeles Angels still do not know what they have with Shohei Ohtani

There is no questioning Ohtani’s potential on the mound and in the batter’s box. He posted a 3.31 ERA and a 1.161 WHiP in his 51.2 innings in 2018, striking out 63 batters with 22 walks. However, he was roughed up in 2020, allowing seven runs on three hits and eight walks in 1.2 innings, striking out three before he was shut down with a flexor strain.

Setting up the future with Ohtani. light. More Angels

Although he has more of a track record with the bat, questions remain there as well. Ohtani had posted an excellent .286/.351/.532 batting line with 40 homers, 41 doubles, and 22 steals in his first 792 plate appearances. He appeared to be the protection that Mike Trout needed in the Angels lineup.

His struggles last season also occurred in the batter’s box. Ohtani posted a disappointing .190/.291/.366 batting line in 175 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and six doubles. While plenty of stars struggled in 2020, Ohtani was not using that as an excuse, calling his showing “pathetic.”

There will not be any excuses in 2021. The gloves are off when it comes to Ohtani, as the Angels are going to see what they have. He should be healthy now, two years removed from Tommy John surgery, and in a better mindset. Spring training will be normal, unlike last year. It is time to see if he can fulfill his destiny as a two way star.

Next. Angels get paid to take Fowler. dark

The Los Angeles Angels say that Shohei Ohtani is full steam ahead for 2021. Now he needs to prove that he can be the player they hoped for.

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