Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani, despite everything that the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge has done this season, remains in the mix for his second consecutive MVP award in the American League.
He is, once again, showing his unique talent to be an elite hitter and an ace at the same time, something the league hadn’t seen before.
He is about to dazzle people in Minnesota, as he takes on the hapless Twins on Friday.
“Shohei Ohtani will be the Angels’ starting pitcher on Friday at Target Field and presumably show off his talents on both sides of the ball in the game. The reigning MVP has never taken the mound in Minneapolis before. Should be a fun sight,” MLB.com’s Do-Hyoung Park tweeted.
Shohei Ohtani will be the Angels' starting pitcher on Friday at Target Field and presumably show off his talents on both sides of the ball in the game.
The reigning MVP has never taken the mound in Minneapolis before. Should be a fun sight.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) September 21, 2022
Not only it should be a fun sight, like Park stated, but Ohtani will likely take advantage of a struggling Twins squad with a broken spirit after losing their chances of winning the AL Central by going 1-7 on their most recent road trip.
Minnesota was swept by the Kansas City Royals and is now a full 10 games behind the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the Central.
The Twins May Not Be Ready For Ohtani
If logic prevails, Ohtani should have a field day against the Twins.
Fortunately for fans, logic doesn’t always prevail in baseball and we will get to enjoy a nice game.
Ohtani is slashing .271/.359/.536 as a hitter, with a 147 wRC+ (league average is 100).
He also has 34 home runs, 85 runs, and 89 RBI.
As a pitcher, he has made 25 starts covering 148 innings.
His 2.43 ERA is among the league’s best, and he has struck out 11.92 hitters per nine innings while walking just 2.19.
He is basically Mookie Betts and Shane McClanahan in one player.
Do you realize how crazy that sounds?
He still has a shot at MVP.
NEXT: The Angels Failed To Compete Against A Lowly Rival