Los Angeles Angels finding creative ways to keep Shohei Ohtani in lineup

The Los Angeles Angels changed their plans when it came to Shohei Ohtani this season. He did not bat on the days he pitched before, even getting the day off before his starts as the Angels wanted him to focus on his mound work. This has changed now, as Ohtani has frequently hit when pitching, the Angels’ primary designated hitter serving as his own DH.

There are obvious issues with such a plan. Whenever Ohtani leaves the game when pitching, his time in the lineup comes to an end. Although Joe Maddon may be able to get another two or three plate appearances for one of their top hitters, he could end up being out of the game when the Angels need him most.

Los Angeles Angels being creative with Shohei Ohtani

The Angels and Maddon got creative on Tuesday. After Ohtani finished his time on the mound against the Astros, he went to right field, taking over for Taylor Ward to finish out the game. This marked his first major league appearance in right, and his second appearance in the outfield overall, both of which have come this season.

This is something the Angels may do more frequently during Ohtani’s starts. He had played in the outfield in Japan, and Maddon even said that Ohtani looks like a natural outfielder when he has been out there in practice. Although the Angels have been reluctant to give Ohtani time in the outfield as a starter, a couple of innings every few days may be feasible.

Should Ohtani prove to be as capable in the outfield as he appeared to be in Japan, and as Maddon feels that he is, it is possible that those restrictions could be lifted. He is not likely to become one of the Angels’ primary corner outfielders, but he could get more playing time there in the future.

Ohtani had a solid all around game on Tuesday. Although he was just 1-4 with two strikeouts at the plate, he easily had his best game of the year on the mound. He lasted seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk, striking out ten. He also became the first player since Harvey Haddix in 1952 to strike out ten or more batters and appear in the outfield in the same game.

The Los Angeles Angels have been finding ways to get Shohei Ohtani’s bat into the lineup. Now they have a way to keep him there when pitching as well.