Angels News: Was Friday Shohei Ohtani's Last Start at Angel Stadium as a Halo?

Reality set in a little bit for everyone last night...

As the Angels game kicked off on Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, you felt a little uneasiness in the air. The team was riding a couple-game winning streak, but all the noise surrounding the team of late had been about the possibility of them trading away two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani was taking the mound for his next scheduled start, but with the reality of the situation, this could have been his last start at home as a member of the Angels organization. 

After this weekend, the Angels head out on a road trip that will take them through the deadline, so Ohtani could have been making his final start in front of the fans that have loved him for years.

However, when asked about this after the game, Ohtani was very nonchalant and said that it didn’t even cross his mind.

​​“That did not cross my mind at all,” Ohtani said through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “Obviously, I'm a part of the Angels at this moment and feel like we're in a decent spot to make a playoff run. So I try not to really think about that.”

Per MLB.com

Despite getting hit for four home runs, the Angels found a way to win the game. It was the third straight start in which Ohtani has given up at least five runs but when Ohtani left the mound, the fans were appreciative as always.

Ohtani said he was thankful for the ovation but that he wished that he could have given them a better showing.

“I was very happy to hear those, obviously,” Ohtani said. “But at the same time, I wish I performed better to give them a better show.”

Per MLB.com

As he mentioned, he is a member of the Angels for now. But over the next week or so, he may not be. The team plans to wait and see how the Angels perform down the stretch here before ultimately making a decision on his future. 

Reality set in last night, even if just for the fans. They know the situation that they find themselves in, and are hopeful that they get to see Ohtani still wearing the Angels uniform after the trade deadline passes.