Angels News; Shohei Ohtani in Exclusive Company After Hot 2023 Pitching Start

Ohtani is establishing himself as one of the best pitchers ever

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani has been in the league for six seasons, and to this day, he is still shattering the record books. He came into the league with a ton of hype and has met that hype and possibly exceeded it. 

The 28-year-old is in the prime of his career, playing some of his best baseball, and luckily, Angel fans are able to witness it while donning a Halos jersey. 

Ohtani made his ninth start of the season on Monday and was spectacular in his start while batting in the three-hole. His pitching is at an AL Cy Young level this season, and he is on pace to join an elite club on the pitching side of things if he continues his incredible season. 

Ohtani went into Monday’s start against the Orioles with a .287 average as a hitter and only a .143 average against as a pitcher. His 4.3 hits allowed per nine innings would be the lowest of the Modern Era, bested only by two members of the 1884 Milwaukee Cream Citys – Ed Cushman (2.50) and Lady Baldwin (3.71).

Anthony Castrovince, MLB.com

Shohei is the leader in that category this season by 0.4. Just behind him is Orioles RHP Tyler Wells, who the Angels will face on Thursday. 

Last season, Ohtani finished in 11th with 6.7 hits per nine innings and is on pace to shatter that. His pitching is otherwordly, and it's only gotten better year by year. The right-handed pitcher is in a Hall of Fame trajectory, and he's someone we may never see again in our lifetime. There's nothing Ohtani can't do.