Camila Sosa
The Los Angeles Angels announced that Shohei Ohtani will be the team’s starter in the Opening Day game against the Houston Astros, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 7.
In this way, the 27-year-old Japanese will assume his first start on an Opening Day of the Major Leagues, despite the fact that the Californian team added free agent Noah Syndergaard.
The reigning American League MVP showed last year that he is fully recovered after undergoing Tommy John surgery that limited him to taking the mound just twice between the 2019 and 2020 campaigns. So now he’s tasked with leading the rotation of angels who sport a roster good enough to fight for the American League West Division pennant.
It is important to mention that Ohtani’s first test as a starter in 2022 will not be easy, as he will have to try to silence the always fearsome lineup of the Astros, which will now be led by José Altuve and Yordan Álvarez, after the departure of stellar Puerto Rican shortstop Carlos Correa.
Last season, as a pitcher, the Asian finished with a 9-2 record, with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. In addition, he totaled 156 strikeouts in 130.1 innings of work.
Shohei Ohtani’s MLB Numbers
Since his arrival in the majors, Ohtani has caused a sensation with his ability to practically do everything right on the baseball field.
As a hitter, the Japanese MLB star has a .264 average and .353 OBP, with 93 home runs and 247 RBIs. In addition, he has 55 stolen bases, which confirms his ability and speed when it comes to running the bases.
If the Japanese can stay healthy, he will again be favorite for the American League MVP award for his incredible talent to put good numbers as a pitcher and hitter.
