Shohei Ohtani News: Angels Manager Argues That Rest Won't Help Star Through Cramping Issues

Phil Nevin says Ohtani wants to play.

As his monster season continues, the wear and tear of being the best player in the major leagues is getting to Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani, who leads Major League Baseball in home runs, is slugging and OPS while also holding a 3.32 ERA and 1.07 WHIP from the mound. Recently, the 29-year-old has been struggling with cramping.

In Thursday night's 5-3 loss to the Mariners, Ohtani had to end his time on the mound prematurely after 4 scoreless innings due to cramping in his middle finger preventing him from properly holding the baseball. 

Last week, Ohtani reportedly had cramping throughout his body during the Angels' doubleheader against Detroit and in his legs the following night in Toronto.

Angels manager Phil Nevin says that, despite the recent burst of cramping, Ohtani is doing his best to stay healthy.

"He takes good care of himself as anybody in this league," Nevin said. "He knows his body better than anybody. I trust him when he tells me he needs to come out of the game or he knows he can play of he needs a day off. We have those communications every day."

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

As the Angels seek to make their first postseason appearance since 2014, Ohtani is integral to their hopes of escaping the drought. Ohtani has repeatedly said that winning is his top priority, so it is not a surprise that he has battled through the pain to stay on the field. Despite leaving Thursday's game early as a pitcher, Ohtani completed his responsibilities at the plate, knocking in his 40th home run of the season.

"A day off is not gonna help this. When he’s DH-ing, he comes out here four or five at-bats and he’s the best one in the game. Staying off for a day of hitting I don’t think is going to do anything for him. He wants to play. He wants to be out there. He would tell me if he needs (a day off). I've asked him and he absolutely wants to be out there," Nevin said.

(Via

The Orange County Register

)

The Angels, who sit five games back in the AL Wild Card race, will play the third of their four-game series against the Mariners Saturday at 6:07 p.m. PDT.