Los Angeles Angels‘ two-way star Shohei Ohtani took the mound on Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays as the Angels attempted to pull off a three-game sweep.
The Angels failed to complete the sweep, but Ohtani stilled managed to pitch six innings of one-run ball, striking out five Rays hitters.
The Rays won the game by a final of 4-2 in extra innings.
Ohtani and his manager Joe Maddon had previously spoken about a little fatigue Ohtani might have been feeling in his arm, but both noted that it wasn’t a major issue.
As a matter of fact, Ohtani struck out the final two hitters he faced.
Angels insider Rhett Bollinger tweeted about Ohtani and Maddon’s comments, stating that Maddon had said Ohtani just looked a little fatigued and that there were no real injury concerns.
Shohei Ohtani noted that his fastball velocity was down and "he didn't feel the best" but said he's not injured or worried about any arm issues. Joe Maddon just said Ohtani looked fatigued but was still effective, especially with breaking pitches. Struck out his last 2 hitters
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) May 12, 2022
Ohtani Not Injured, Just Fatigued
This is good news for the Angels, who are going to need their ace at full strength for the stretch run later in the season.
Ohtani is 3-2 on the season with a 2.78 ERA in six starts.
Fatigue is one thing.
An injury is another.
Of course, if not treated properly, fatigue could ultimately lead to an injury.
But if it’s monitored closely, an injury can usually be avoided.
That appears to be the case with Ohtani, as he and his manager seem to have a positive outlook on the situation, with Maddon noting that Ohtani was still effective with his breaking pitches.
The Angels’ ace has been one of the key factors in the team’s recent rise to prominence, both on the mound and at the plate.
He’ll be a key factor down the stretch too if the Angels are still in the mix.
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