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Los Angeles Angels: Shohei Ohtani has his velocity back

By David Hill

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 02: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels adjusts his arm sleeve on the mound during the second inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 2, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 02: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels adjusts his arm sleeve on the mound during the second inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 2, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Angels have a lot riding on Shohei Ohtani‘s success on the mound this season. While they made several moves to improve the roster for the coming year, the Angels still do not have an ace. If anything, it seems as though the team is hoping that Shohei Ohtani can fulfill his potential and be that pitcher.

After an injury filled first three years as a pitcher, Ohtani may finally be ready to take that mantle. His velocity is back, as according to reports from spring training, he is already hitting 100 MPH on the radar gun.

Shohei Ohtani giving Los Angeles Angels reason for hope

Ohtani had given the Angels reason to hope that he would be the ace they needed during his rookie season. While he made just ten appearances due to elbow woes, he was impressive, posting a 3.31 ERA and a 1.161 WHiP in his 51.2 innings, striking out 63 batters with 22 walks. He showed the potential to be a legitimate top of the rotation arm.

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However, Tommy John surgery and arm issues have held Ohtani the pitcher back. He has made just two appearances over the last two years, both of which were a disaster. Considering his recovery time, and the pandemic that led to the unique nature of the 2020 season, that should not be much of a surprise.

Ohtani realized that something needed to change. He revamped his offseason regimen, even making a trek to Driveline to try to improve his pitching performance. While it is still early in spring training, and the games have not even started yet, the Angels have to be encouraged with what they have seen thus far.

The Angels’ season may well ride on Ohtani’s performance. There is no question that the roster is improved, but those moves are still band-aids slapped on the pitching staff and lineup as opposed to long term solutions. However, if Ohtani is truly back, he could be that ace that they need to actually contend.

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Shohei Ohtani reached 100 MPH while pitching batting practice on Saturday. There is hope that the Los Angeles Angels two way star is finally back.

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