There is officially nothing Shohei Ohtani can’t do.
He continues to pitch like a Cy Young candidate — he struck out 10 while giving up just one run on Tuesday in a loss to the Houston Astros — and hit like an MVP (10 home runs, currently tied for second in the majors, and he’s stolen six bases too).
It was on Tuesday that he also played right field in the eighth inning. Why? Because Angels manager Joe Maddon didn’t want to lose his bat in the ninth with the game tied. So instead of replacing him with a reliever, he stuck Ohtani in right. Ohtani fielded a single once and that was that.
But how cool was that?!
First off, check out this pitch that fooled the heck out of Jose Altuve:
THIS IS NASTY 🥶
Ohtani caught Altuve looking.
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/h5TIveeQiY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 12, 2021
Shohei Ohtani, Mean 82mph Slider. 😂 @ArtesBurner pic.twitter.com/UYxozA56a4
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 12, 2021
Then check out the history he made:
Amazing.
After throwing 88 pitches tonight, Ohtani remains in the game to play in the outfield. (via @BallySportWest) pic.twitter.com/DhU8xIgMdK
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 12, 2021
Shohei Ohtani is the 3rd player in the modern era (since 1900) to strike out 10+ batters AND play a non-pitcher position in the same game, joining:
7/6/1970 Sam McDowell: 15 K & played 2B
9/28/1952 Harvey Haddix: 11 K & played RF
(h/t @EliasSports)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 12, 2021
Wild and amazing!
