Angels' Rising Star Aware of Shohei Ohtani's Significant Pitching Value

He is just like the rest of us!

Even though Shohei Ohtani's ERA has risen a bit over the past few games and he's famously walked the leadoff batter on multiple occasions, do not let any of that fool you. He is still very much having a stellar season at the mound and everybody is aware of it, not just the fans.

Unique isn't even a word to describe his game at this point. Ohtani has already matched or passed the legendary Babe Ruth in multiple categories in 2023 and he remains a lead candidate for the Cy Young award. In his most recent start in a loss against the Minnesota Twins, he was able to strike out nine batters while only allowing two hits and one run while seeing his ERA round out at 3.05.

Shohei Ohtani, 95mph Sinker (17 inches of run) and 83mph Sweeper (17 inches of break), Individual Pitches + Overlay

Why you'd swing at a sweeper way out of the zone. pic.twitter.com/ci7emvg1xB

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 21, 2023

LA is floating above .500 right now in large part due to his play on both ends. However he's also been receiving some big help from Mickey Moniak, who was recently called up from the minor leagues after the Philadelphia Phillies gave up on him.

Moniak has already created a strong bond with the 28-year-old and the two have a hilarious handshake going on. He spoke on Ohtani's value at the pitching mound and how everybody is well-aware of it.

“Every time,” said left fielder Mickey Moniak, whose two-run double in the seventh inning Sunday gave the Angels a 3-1 lead. “It’s no secret, he’s one of the most special, if not the most special players in baseball and every time he goes out there on the mound, he might go seven shutout [innings], 10 strikeouts, and get three hits, or who knows what’s going to happen?"

(Via LA Times)

Moniak said it best... you really never know exactly what to expect from Ohtani, only that it will be something special.