Less than 24 hours ago, the Los Angeles Angels assured fans that they'd be able to watch MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani at Angel Stadium for at least a couple of more months.
On Thursday afternoon, Ohtani proved to the front office just how many hundreds of millions of dollars he deserved, while also showing fans what they'll be missing if he signs elsewhere over the winter.
Shohei finishes what he started! pic.twitter.com/MHfHG1W76o
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2023
Shohei Ohtani, you complete me. pic.twitter.com/vEYLm3ZHjv
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2023
Per Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group, Ohtani had pitched eight innings five previous times in his four-plus seasons as a starter but had never thrown a pitch in the ninth until Thursday.
The major-league HR leader just threw a one-hit shutout.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 27, 2023
They should announce every day that he isn't getting traded. pic.twitter.com/wPEBz2DyaE
MLB.com's Sarah Langs provided some remarkable context following the three-time All-Star's latest feat.
most HR hit in a season, threw at least 1 shutout:
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 27, 2023
2023 Shohei Ohtani: 36
1918 Babe Ruth: 11
1931 Wes Ferrell: 9 https://t.co/IgcDfYzjql
just a reminder that the pitcher who just threw a shutout, Shohei Ohtani, currently leads MLB in…
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 27, 2023
- OPS
- SLG
- HR
- 3B (Tied)
- Opponent BA
Most importantly for the Halos, their 6-0 blanking of the Detroit Tigers brought them closer to a spot in the playoffs. They'll enter the nightcap of Thursday's doubleheader at 53-49 and 3.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays (57-46) for the third wild-card berth.
Toronto is off on Thursday, meaning Los Angeles could pull within three games with a win in Game 2 against Detroit. The Blue Jays will host the Angels in a monumental three-game set this weekend and throw ace Kevin Gausman in the opener vs. Lucas Giolito, whom L.A. acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!