Angels Remain Vigilant of Shohei Ohtani’s Start Days

Halos remain cautious when it comes to Ohtani's pitch days and innings pitched

The Los Angeles Angels mustered one win in a four-game series against their division rivals Houston Astros this past weekend. Their lone win didn't come in the game we all expected, which was superstar Shohei Ohtani's start on Friday, in which he got the loss. 

Ohtani suffered his second loss of the season in which he went six innings, allowed five earned runs out of the six Houston scored, six strikeouts, and one walk. Ohtani hasn't been himself as of late after a hot start to the season. 

Still, he remains their ace on the pitching staff and will be in the thick of things in the AL Cy Young race. The only way that will happen is if they take the necessary steps to make sure he's in tip-top shape on the mound while also playing the DH spot. 

The Halos realize the toll it must take on his body, and they aren't taking any risks when it comes to his pitches and innings pitched. The team is making sure all players, including Ohtani, have an extra day off, and Angels insider Jeff Flecther released when his next start days will be from now till the All-Star break. 

The #Angels are giving their starters an extra day this time around, including Ohtani.

So here’s your UPDATED Ohtani calendar, through the All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/0gN77Mlh1N

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) June 4, 2023

From now till the All-star break, he will pitch in five games and have five days of rest (if all goes well). This has been the plan all along for Shohei, and although he hasn't been himself, he's been available. 

Halos skipper Phil Nevin spoke to Flecther and said giving him that extra day is crucial. 

“He’s approaching places he hasn’t been before,” Nevin said. “I just felt like it was good to give him an extra day now.”

As the Halos are in search of a postseason spot, his usage may be increased, and he's ready for that when the time comes. This will be a topic for the rest of the season, and we'll see how the 28-year-old superstar bounces back from his struggles.