Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani Making His Case for A.L. MVP

The Los Angeles Angels beat the Tigers 3-1 in Detroit on August 18th, and Angels’ starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani showed why he is one of the leading candidates for American League Most Valuable Player. Ohtani of course, is the great two way player who bats in games when he’s the starting pitcher and is the designated hitter the rest of the time.

Ohtani pitched eight innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out eight Tigers. He picked up the win, and improved to 8-1 on the season with a 2.79 ERA in 18 starts. Ohtani did his part at the plate as well, hitting his major league leading 40th home run. He has 87 RBIs to go with those 40 homers, and he leads the majors with 265 total bases and a .648 slugging percentage. He’s got 18 stolen bases as well.

We are unlikely to see Ohtani in the post season, as the Angels are having a typical Angels’ year. Third baseman Anthony Rendon played in only 58 games before going down for the season, and All Universe outfielder Mike Trout played in just 36 games before going on the injured list in May and it’s uncertain when or if he will return this season. L.A. is in 4th place in the A.L. West at 62-61, 10 games behind the division leading Houston Astros and 7 ½ games out of the Wild Card race.