Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani is off to a slow start this season offensively, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a valuable player for his club.
As a two-way guy, Ohtani obviously has the ability to add value both on the mound and in the batter’s box.
Considering what he’s been able to accomplish as a pitcher this season, the Angels are likely just fine with the fact that his bat hasn’t really arrived yet.
The 27-year-old was outstanding on the mound last season, but so far this year, he has looked even better.
Will his arm be the story of his 2022 season?
Ohtani’s Season On The Mound Has Been Even Better Than It Seems At First Glance
Ohtani has made five starts so far this season, and he currently owns a solid 3.08 ERA.
First thing’s first: That’s a great mark.
However, it’s not far off from the 3.18 ERA he had last season, and the reality is that he’s been much better this year than he was last.
A quick look at his FIP this season (1.52) tells you everything you need to know about how good he’s actually been.
Remember, a FIP is essentially a predictive ERA, so based on the way Ohtani’s season has gone so far, he’s pitched well enough to have an ERA in the ballpark of 1.52.
The fact that his ERA is currently sitting at 3.08 is actually a pretty good indication that luck hasn’t been on his side to this point.
That’s bound to change, and when it does, the rest of the league is going to notice pretty quickly.
Shohei Ohtani's Back Door Slider. 😲
Fastball & Back Door Slider, Individual Pitches + Overlay.
You can see why you'd give up on it! pic.twitter.com/IKixHZTpO2
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 21, 2022
It’s also worth noting that Ohtani had one rough start earlier this season that inflated his ERA.
If that outing hadn’t happened, he’d currently have an ERA of 1.19.
How Far Can He Take This?
If Ohtani’s ERA catches up with his FIP, he’s going to find himself in the Cy Young conversation.
Shohei Ohtani, Unfair 81mph Breaking Ball…and Sword. ⚔️
11th K. On 60 pitches. pic.twitter.com/ZiGmWm6jd1
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 21, 2022
However, one big question still needs to be answered: Will he be able to sustain success on the mound throughout an entire season?
In the 2021 campaign, he had a stellar 2.58 ERA through 11 starts.
But as the season progressed, he started to show some signs of fatigue, and over his final 12 starts, he had an ERA of 3.68.
Still good, but certainly not the same.
Since the Angels know that Ohtani showed signs of fatigue last season, it’s possible that load management will come into play for the reigning MVP at some point this year.
Keep in mind, Los Angeles (19-11) looks like a legit threat to make the playoffs, so the team will probably do everything possible to keep its two-way star fresh all year long.
The bottom line, however, is that the idea of Ohtani having a Cy Young-caliber season is definitely within the realm of possibility.
After winning AL MVP honors in 2021, it would be an incredible story for him to be in the mix for another major award this season.
Fans will have to wait and see if that’s in the cards.
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