Shohei Ohtani has forever changed MLB, but even the 2021 American League MVP can forget what he has done to impact today’s game.
Ohtani went 0–4 from the plate in the Angels’ 3–1 loss to the Astros on Opening Day, the team’s eighth season-opening loss in nine years. However, the two-way star was outstanding in his first career Opening Day start on the mound, throwing 80 pitches while striking out nine, allowing only four hits and committing one error in 4.2 innings.
But by the time Ohtani made his final appearance at the plate, he told reporters that he had almost forgotten he began the game pitching. Ohtani’s stance stems from the fact that he can now remain in a game after his pitching duties are done due to the league recently creating the “Ohtani rule.”
