USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) sits in the dugout before being introduced during a pregame awards ceremony at Angel Stadium. Ohtani was given the team MVP and Nick Adenhart Awards before a game against the Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) sits in the dugout before being introduced during a pregame awards ceremony at Angel Stadium. Ohtani was given the team MVP and Nick Adenhart Awards before a game against the Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani has been a one-man army for the LA Angels in the 2022 MLB season. Whether it is from the mound or the plate, Ohtani has been excellent from both ends for the Angels. However, no matter how good Ohtani is, depending on an individual player has never done well for any team.
The Angels are going through a rough phase in the 2022 season, especially the last couple of weeks. First, they created a record for losing streak, then fired their manager, Joe Maddon, from the position, and now they played a game without their marquee player, Shohei Ohtani.
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If Ohtani plays well, the Angels win the game. It has been the story for the Angels so far in the current season. Considering Ohtani is a two-way player, the Angels’ star deserved a much-needed break. So, the interim manager, Phil Nevin, rested the Japanese slugger against the New York Mets.
LA Angels lose the series after resting Shohei Ohtani against the New York Mets
New York Mets has been one of the strongest teams in the 2022 season. And amidst all the chaos at the Angels, the Phil Nevin-led team played a three-game series against the Angels. While given their current form, the Angels losing against the Mets was not a surprise.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 25, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) sprints to first base on his way to a triple against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
What was more surprising was that Nevin rested his marquee player in the series decider. Per AP News, the Angels manager said Ohtani needed a day off.
Read more: “It’s Not a Sport I’m Good At”- LA Angels Star Shohei Ohtani on the Sport He Wants to Excel At
“I know, he seems like Superman all the time. Even Superman took a day off once in a while. I said to him there’s a phone booth close and be ready to go,” Phil Nevin said.
Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani was not in the lineup for Sunday night’s game against the Mets.
"Even Superman took a day off once in a while,” interim manager Phil Nevin said.
by @joereedy https://t.co/Qyk24jJUVx
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) June 12, 2022
“This (day off) happens to be a Sunday, and it’s on ESPN. I know a lot of people are upset about that. The better Shohei is at the end of the season, we’re going to be playing a lot more primetime games…”
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Will Ohtani play against the Dodgers?
The Angels manager also confirmed that the two-way star will play on Tuesday against the LA Dodgers.
“Honestly, it’s up to him… He’s great at managing his body and his time in preparing to hit and preparing to pitch. It’s good to give his body a reset and we’ll get back at it on Tuesday,” Nevin added.
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With 16 defeats in their last 18 games, the Angels have a mountain to climb if they want to compete with the division leaders, Houston Astros. Do you think the Angels will make a comeback in the 2022 season?
