Perhaps no player had more hype coming into the 2022 season than Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Angels pitcher/slugger set the baseball world on fire last season on his way to unanimously winning the AL MVP award. His encore got off to a great start.

Ohtani got right to work dazzling against the reigning AL Pennant winner, the Houston Astros. In 4.2 innings, he allowed just four hits, one walk and one run while tallying nine strikeouts, the most of anyone on Opening Day. Although he got the loss and didn't reach base, the 27-year-old showed that he is still one of the elite players in the sport.

MLB instituted a rule that allows pitchers to remain in the lineup as designated hitters even after they are removed from the mound. Since Ohtani is the only player who does this, the rule is effectively only applicable to him. Still, the Angels star is getting used to working with it.

Ohtani made history twice against the Astros for his pitching mastery and two-way prowess. There is truly no one like him in baseball, if not across all sports. Seeing if he can recreate his unbelievable 2021 season will be one of the dominating stories from this season.

The Angels could sneak into the playoffs this year with Mike Trout back and other strong hitters like Jared Walsh and Max Stassi in place. If Noah Syndergaard can bounce back and the rest of the Angels pitchers can step up, they could make big improvements from last season.