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Shohei Ohtani pulling rare double duty for Los Angeles Angels

By David Hill

TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels laps the bases in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians during the MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 16, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels laps the bases in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians during the MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 16, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Since Shohei Ohtani came over from Japan, we have been awaiting the day where he pitches and hits in the same game. With the American League having the designated hitter, that seemed to be a pipe dream; while Ohtani is the Angels’ primary DH, it is understandable that the Los Angeles Angels would not want to lose that spot in the lineup when he leaves the game.

But that has changed. On Sunday, Ohtani is not only on the mound, but he is in the lineup, hitting leadoff for the Angels.

Shohei Ohtani makes history with Los Angeles Angels

This is the type of lineup that may be seen once in a lifetime. Since 1901, only two players have ever hit leadoff and pitched in the same regular season game – Al Dark in 1953 and Cesar Tovar in 1968. In Tovar’s case, this was the game where he played all nine positions, making his outing more of a publicity stunt.

light. More Angels. Trout could get even better

For Ohtani, this could be a precursor for the regular season. He does have the skillset to hit leadoff, as his speed is underrated and he has solid on base skills. However, his excellent power lends itself to his being a middle of the order bat, part of the group protecting Mike Trout in the lineup.

Hitting Ohtani leadoff could also minimize the risk of losing the DH for the rest of the game. Should he be able to fire seven solid innings, and the Angels’ side ends shortly after Ohtani is at the plate, the lack of a DH may not matter. But that would be a case of the bullpen doing their part.

It is also not a surprise that Joe Maddon would experiment with such a lineup during spring training. He had been known for his quirky lineups before, particularly during his time with the Rays. There was his infamous 867-5309 lineup and the time where he accidentally had starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine batting third during a game in 2009 – he went 1-3 with an RBI in that contest.

Next. Sho Time ready to be unleashed. dark

Shohei Ohtani is not only pitching on Sunday, but he is hitting leadoff as well. This could be something the Los Angeles Angels do during the season.

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