Shohei Ohtani isn't wasting any time this season. During the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day game against the Houston Astros, the Japanese two-way phenom immediately got to work, setting records the same way he did during his AL MVP campaign last season (and destroying any horrible takes about him).
It all started even before the Angels pitcher took the mound. By being the first batter in the rotation and starting as the pitcher, Ohtani became the first player to ever do this in MLB history. It's a testament to how legit his two-way abilities are: he's the first batter in the rotation despite batting for himself as a pitcher. (via The Athletic)
Starting as a pitcher and hitting for himself against the Astros on #OpeningDay
Shohei Ohtani becomes the first MLB player to throw his team's first pitch of the season and face his team's first pitch of the season as a hitter.
H/T @MLBStats | @Angels pic.twitter.com/iY32sk4c3q
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 8, 2022
The fun didn't stop there for Angels fans, however. During Shohei Ohtani's 4-inning appearance on Opening Day, he struck out nine batters (including three on Astros star Jose Altuve). That set an Angels record for most strikeouts in that timespan, and nearly broke the Opening Day record for the franchise. (via Matt Birch)
Shohei Ohtani's nine strikeouts tonight also match a #Angels record for any regular season appearance of 4.2-or-fewer innings.
José Quintana had 9 SO in 3.2 IP last year on May 3 vs. Rays.
— Matt Birch (@MattBirch12) April 8, 2022
Most #OpeningDay SO in #Angels history
12 – Nolan Ryan, 1973 (CG)
12 – Nolan Ryan, 1973 (CG)
11 – Andy Messersmith, 1970 (CG)
10 – Jered Weaver, 2012 (8 IP)
9 – Shohei Ohtani, tonight (4.2 IP)
9 – Frank Tanana, 1977 (CG)
9 – Andy Messermith, 1972 (CG)
9 – George Brunet, 1967 (CG)— Matt Birch (@MattBirch12) April 8, 2022
Ohtani would get pulled early from the game, and for good reason: the Angels want to keep the Japanese star as healthy as possible while maximizing his two-way talents. Still, with that kind of performance, it's easy to imagine Ohtani obliterating single-day strikeout records. Especially when he's striking out guys like Altuve with consistency.
Shohei Ohtani's efforts were recognized last year when he won the AL MVP unanimously. However, his on-field excellence wasn't matched by his team, as the Angels failed to make the playoffs again. They are hoping to right their mistakes and give Ohtani a shot at making it to the World Series.