Shohei Ohtani (29-LA Angels) is taking the major leagues by storm as an “idoryu,” a combination pitcher and hitter. Over the past two years, he’s rewritten major league history in a way that no one has ever done before. In 2021, he hit 46 home runs (25-for-57, 100 RBI) as a hitter and went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA as a pitcher, winning the American League MVP.
His cartoonish performance continued last year. He logged more plate appearances (502.2) as a hitter and more innings (162) as a pitcher. He hit 34 home runs (27-for-33, 95 RBI) and won 15 games (9-0, 2.33 ERA). He had an MVP-caliber performance as both a center fielder and ace.
In the modern era of baseball, with its clear division of labor, there has never been a player like Ohtani. Many experts believe that there will never be another player like him.
There are some things that the all-around “superstar” hasn”t accomplished. He won the Cy Young Award as a pitcher and the home run king as a hitter. Because of his dual role, his innings are limited compared to a full-time pitcher. Ohtani was nominated for the MVP last year, but missed out on the Cy Young Award.
In a recent virtual voting for the Cy Young Award conducted by MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, among 49 baseball insiders, Ohtani finished fourth in the American League. He did not receive a single first-place vote.
As of Sept. 26, he is 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 10 starts. 59 innings pitched
while striking out 80 batters. He is tied for sixth in the American League in wins, 12th in ERA, and second in strikeouts.
He’s unlikely to win the Cy Young Award, but he’s got a shot at the home run title.
Ohtani hit a one-run home run over the left-center field fence in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox on May 25. It was his 12th home run of the season in four games.
He is tied for fifth in the American League in home runs with Adolis Garcia (Texas Rangers), Aaron Judge (New York Yankees – 14), Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox) and Lewis Roberts (Chicago White Sox – 13). Ohtani’s teammate Mike Trout has 12. 메이저사이트
The Angels have 12 homers through 51 games. At their current pace, they could reach 38. Last season, when he hit 34 homers, he hit his 12th on June 10.
In 2021, when he hit 46 homers, he reached his 12th on May 17. He hit 33 before the All-Star break, but his pace slowed in the second half.
Regardless, his early season home run pace is good. If he keeps it up, he could become the first player ever to win the home run title.
After a 13-game road trip, the Angels have the 26th off. They return to action on the 27th against the Miami Marlins.