Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Makes More MLB History on Monday

Just another day at the office for him.

After stealing his 15th base on the season against the Giants, Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani has etched his name in yet another record book. 

With his robbery of second base in the first inning on Monday night, Ohtani became the fastest player in MLB history to reach 40 home runs and 15 stolen bases, accomplishing the feat in his team's 114th game. 

The next fastest man to reach both thresholds in even 120 games through his team's season was the legendary Ken Griffey Jr., doing so in 117 contests for Seattle in 1998. 

While Ohtani continues his torrid streak in another runaway MVP season for the Japanese superstar, many questions loom over his current franchise's direction with their most recent losing streak. 

One man can't do it all and the Angels have been a prime example of that phenomenon after their superstar before Ohtani in Mike Trout has failed to carry the roster around him to a postseason berth since 2014. 

In fact, Anaheim is currently on pace to have their eighth losing season in a row, by far the longest in MLB despite the many tank jobs and collapses around the league outside of the Big A. 

Ohtani's frustrations are palpable as the superstar was seen on the verge of tears after a crushing loss earlier this month. 

Shohei was fighting back tears after the Angels lost last night 💔 pic.twitter.com/GLxRCucJEK

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 4, 2023

With Trout, Anthony Rendon and plenty of other depth for the Angels either on the shelf or away from the team with personal matters to attend to, it's another disaster season for the Halos waiting to mercifully end. 

Playoff hopes look bleak for Ohtani and the crew as the Angels superstar could bolt from the franchise after failing to make the postseason even once with the team that took a chance on his two-way abilities in the winter of 2018. 

It's up to the Halos and their risky moves to buy at the deadline to right this ship before it's too late.