Angels News: Patrick Sandoval Reacts to Shohei Ohtani's Dedication
In the Angels first full game since the news that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani suffered a torn UCL, the team took down the New York Mets to open their series. Ohtani took part in the game as a hitter, even providing a big double in the victory.
It was the kind of game that the franchise needed, a morale boost of sorts. Even if their playoff chances are extremely bleak, the Angels needed something positive to happen.
Starter Patrick Sandoval went six innings, allowing two hits and one run to New York. He also struck out seven Mets in the process.
It was a very solid game overall from this team, and Sandoval credited Ohtani’s dedication to the game in helping them get the win.
“The guy loves the game, loves us,” Sandoval said of Ohtani. “It’s obvious. He’s out there playing after the news that he got and what he’s dealing with. It’s pretty special.”
Ohtnai and the team made the decision for him to continue hitting as they look for different options to deal with the UCL tear. He can still be an effective piece to this team down the stretch with his bat, but the question remains if it makes sense for him to keep playing.
The Angels are essentially out of the playoff picture, and Ohtani doesn’t need to risk injuring himself anywhere else. He is a free agent at the end of the season, and the UCL injury likely will already affect things there.
But Ohtani is the ultimate competitor, and he wants to help his team out. However, the Angels should really look to save him from himself. His future in the sport as a two-way player is at stake, and sometimes, shutting down a player is what’s best for them.
