‘Crazy’ Otani “I don’t want to take a day off, I’m not the only one who’s tired” as he competes without rest amid injuries

Shohei Ohtani (29-LA Angels)토스카지노, who had to leave the mound during the game due to injury, is expected to continue pitching without missing any time.

“I don’t want to take a day off,” Ohtani told ESPN and other media outlets after the game on Thursday. I’m not the only one who’s tired,” he said after the game.

The next day, Ohtani started the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) home game against the Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA, as the starting pitcher and No. 2 designated hitter.

At the plate, Ohtani went 2-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, two walks, two RBIs, two runs scored and one stolen base, including a solo shot in the bottom of the eighth inning that gave the Mariners a one-run lead. Most notably, Ohtani took another step toward repeating as American League MVP by reaching the 40-homer plateau for the second time in two seasons after his 46-homer season in 2021.

Ohtani (center) celebrates with teammates in a ceremonial hat after his home run. /AFPBBNews=News1
On the mound, however, Ohtani was a concern. After a single and fielder’s choice put runners on first and third in the first inning, he retired the next three batters in order on a fly ball to shortstop, a strikeout and a grounder to second baseman. He continued to pitch through the next four innings without much trouble. He left runners on base in each inning, but was able to hold them off to keep the scoreless streak alive.

However, after throwing 59 pitches in the fourth, Ohtani was suddenly replaced by Jose Soriano to start the fifth. It was a questionable move, as he had pitched well in his four innings of work, giving up three hits and one walk while striking out four. The Associated Press later reported that “Ohtani left the mound after four innings after experiencing cramping in his hand and fingers while pitching.”

Still, Ohtani continued to play his role as a hitter, and his performance shone through, even if the team lost a 3-5 game on a walk-off home run in the ninth inning.

Ohtani has a tough look on his face. /AFPBBNews=News1
There are bound to be concerns about his physical condition. Especially since Ohtani has struggled to pitch in recent weeks due to a finger issue, but Angels manager Phil Nevin dismissed the concerns. “I’m not too concerned about the finger,” Nevin said, explaining that it was “fine when he was hitting.”

In a postgame interview, Ohtani explained his decision, saying, “I felt like I could have pitched another inning or two,” but “the game was 0-0, and I felt like it was better for the team if I stopped pitching.”

“For now, I’m going through my normal schedule and preparing for my next start,” Ohtani said, indicating that his return to the mound will be trouble-free. “It will depend on the team’s situation and what the manager wants to do,” he said.

It’s tempting to want more rest. However, when asked if he wanted to take an extra day off, Ohtani said, “I can’t decide for myself,” but added, “Personally, I don’t want to take a day off. I’m not the only one who’s tired.”