Shohei Ohtani's Successful Start in MLB

Shohei Ohtani has taken baseball by storm so far in 2018, with the 23-year-old Japanese phenom captivating audiences with a fastball that can touch 100 mph and a fearsome presence in the batter's box. In his first two starts on the mound, Ohtani totaled 18 strikeouts and gave up just four hits and three runs. And in his first week at the plate, he hit three home runs, more than Mike Trout or Aaron Judge. Here are some of his most memorable moments from the start of the season.

SI Staff | Apr 20, 2018

Shohei Ohtani's Successful Start in MLB /

Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch to Oakland Athletics' Marcus Semien.

Shohei Ohtani watches the ball during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on April 13, 2018 in Kansas City.

Shohei Ohtani throws against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game, in Anaheim, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani pitches against the Athletics on April 8, 2018, in Anaheim, California. He struck out 12 over seven innings in the Angels' 6-1 win.

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Angels DH Shohei Ohtani on deck during the first inning of a game against the Indians played on April 3, 2018 at Angel Stadium.

Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after connecting for a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Indians on April 4, 2018 in Anaheim, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani talks with professional race driver Takuma Sato of Japan prior to a game against the Indians at Angel Stadium on April 3, 2018.

Fans cheer as Shohei Ohtani heads to the dugout after the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, in Anaheim, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani reacts after striking out Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletics in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium on April 8, 2018.

Shohei Ohtani bats against the A's during the sixth inning of a baseball game on in Oakland, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani receives the ball of his first major league home run from Angels fan Matthew Gutierrez in Anaheim, Calif., on April 3, 2018. Ohtani presented Matthew with a signed bat in exchange.

Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning of a game against the A's on April 6, 2018. It was his third home run in three games.

Shohei Ohtani hits an RBI single to left field during the second inning against the Rangers on April 11, 2018.

Shohei Ohtani pitches against the A's on April 8, 2018, in Anaheim, California. He struck out 12 over seven innings in the Angels' 6-1 win.

Shohei Ohtani speaks to reporters after making his major league debut in a game against the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani pauses for photos with young baseball players visiting from Japan before the team's preseason baseball game against the Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani runs to first base after hitting a single during the 10th inning of the team's baseball game against Cleveland in Anaheim, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani warms up on the mound before the team's baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, in Anaheim, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat in the seventh inning against the Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 11, 2018.

Shohei Ohtani works against Oakland during the second inning of a baseball game, in Oakland, Calif.

Shohei Ohtani runs to first base during a game against the Indians at Angel Stadium on April 4, 2018.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates his three-run home run in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Indians, in Anaheim, Calif.

Published Apr 20, 2018

SI STAFF