Shohei Ohtani’s next start for the Los Angeles Angels has been scheduled.
“Ohtani’s next start will be against the Cincinnati Reds,” manager Phil Nevin said on Sunday (July 17), adding that the exact date has not yet been set.
Ohtani skipped one start due to right arm fatigue. He is scheduled to start on Sunday against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, but will be given another day off. Reed Detmers will start in place of Ohtani against Texas.
Nevin is looking at starting Ohtani on the 22nd or 23rd. Ohtani has started all 22 games this season, going 10-5 with a 3.17 ERA. He will be looking for his 11th win of the season against Cincinnati.
Along with Ohtani, the Angels are also expecting the return of star center fielder Mike Trout.
Trout began taking batting practice on a pitching machine on Dec. 12. He is being evaluated for a return. He was removed from the game against the San Diego Padres on April 4 after complaining of wrist pain.
Upon examination, he was diagnosed with a fractured metacarpal bone in his wrist. He underwent surgery and missed the All-Star Game. Once Trout returns, Ohtani will be able to take on the pressure again.
Without Trout, Ohtani has faced a lot of scrutiny from opposing pitchers. His batting average has been shaky as he avoids head-to-head contact, including high fastballs. His 41st home run of the season came nine games after he hit his 40th in Seattle on April 4. In the meantime, he lost the home run lead to Atlanta Braves slugger Matt Olson (43).
Ohtani has just two home runs in August. But with Trout back, Ohtani could reignite the home run race with less scrutiny. Nevin said of Trout’s return, “Trout is taking batting practice again. He’s feeling really good. It feels like he’s really close to coming back.” 토토사이트
Trout batted .369 with 18 homers, 44 RBIs, a .369 on-base percentage, a .493 slugging percentage and an .862 OPS in 81 games this season before going down with an injury.
Leave a Reply