Ohtani Impresses In First Spring Training At-Bats
Los Angeles Angels new Japanese star Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks in his first spring training at-bats
If first impressions are any indication, Shohei Ohtani will indeed be able to contribute to the Los Angeles Angels at the plate as well as on the mound — or better.
The two-way superstar from Japan reached base in all three plate appearances in his spring training debut as a hitter on Monday.
Batting second for the Angels against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani drew a walk in the first inning after starting with a 0-2 count, then added another walk in the third.
His biggest contribution came in the fifth, when Ohtani followed Eric Young Jr.'s one-out double with an RBI single to center, starting what became a four-run inning for the Angels.
Ohtani was then removed in favour of pinch-runner Jack Kruger but received a hero's welcome when he returned to the dugout.
The 23-year-old's impressive showing at the plate helped balance out his pitching debut on Saturday, in which the right-hander allowed a second-inning homer to Keon Broxton in his 1.3 innings of work against the Milwaukee Brewers.