Angels’ two-star star Shohei Ohtani had some problems in the second round, but on the other hand showed impressive results once again in Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the White Sox at Camelback Ranch. His fastball reached 99 mph and his divider seemed unattainable on some points, especially in a three-throw strikeout by Yoán Moncada in the first inning.
Making his second start in the spring, Ohtani had some problems with his command and was accused of five runs in six strokes and a walk in 2 1/3 innings. But Ohtani eliminated four, and three of those races scored after he left the game with bases loaded and two eliminated in the second. He returned to the third and gave Luis Robert a double advantage, who also countered in the second, but eliminated Yermín Mercedes in the second before leaving.
“Overall, I felt really good,” said Ohtani through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “I left some breaking balls hanging in the area and they caused some damage, giving up on the homer, and the [leadoff] double for Tim Anderson. But on the other hand, I felt good. “
Ohtani was also injured in the second by a double from Adam Eaton who hit the field player Jo Adell’s glove when he hit the center field wall. Adell left the game after the inning, but only for precautionary reasons, according to the Angels.
Ohtani was sharp with his divider, although he sometimes struggled with his fastball and curved ball command. He made a point of throwing more curious balls on this tour to get a better idea.
“Today, I was trying to get ahead in the scoring, but I left some pitches hanging for the leading hitters,” said Ohtani. “So, it’s something I need to work on. But when it comes to launch, up to this point, I’m very excited about the way spring was.”
Angels manager Joe Maddon has indicated that Ohtani will simply be part of the club’s six-player rotation this year, rather than launching on a particular day of the week. Ohtani, however, is likely to be a little behind the other pitchers at the end of the camp, but he made 58 shots on Saturday and is expected to make two more appearances this spring. Ohtani is also working on his hitting and serving as a designated hitter several times a week, which makes it more difficult for him to be on a normal starting pitch schedule.
“It’s just different,” said Maddon. “He’s going to be a little late. But we are not concerned. It will only be 15 pitches behind or something like that. “
Angels’ snacks
• Kurt Suzuki was behind the sign for Ohtani for the second time in a row, but Maddon said it was a coincidence and Suzuki would not be a personal catcher. Suzuki will serve as the club’s backup catcher for Max Stassi.
• Outfielder Juan Lagares did an RBI double in the second inning and is making a solid case to make the club the fourth outfielder. He is competing with other unsigned guests Jon Jay and Scott Schebler. Jay previously played at Maddon with the Cubs in 2017, while Schebler homed on Friday and is also having a strong spring.
• Maddon is impressed by striker José Rojas, who had two hits this spring and has been an above-average hitter throughout his minor league career. Anaheim native Rojas spent the past year at the club’s alternate location and has been working to find a defensive position. Maddon compared him to players like Mike Moustakas and Daniel Murphy, who are known for their attack, and found a defensive position.
“People can make fun of these comps, but I think they are very realistic,” said Maddon. “Let’s see how it goes for him. He is very motivated, very focused, very serious when it comes to his job. We like everything about him. “