The LA Angels have had a topsy-turvy season so far. With a blockbuster start to the season where they were briefly leading the AL West, the Angels suffered a losing streak the likes of which no Angels team has seen before. With manager Joe Maddon now out of the job, the Angels are on a mission to right their ship. And 2021 AL MVP Shohei Ohtani will be key to those plans if they are to succeed. Even star players on the LA Angels like Mike Trout agree.
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2022 was primed to be the first season where fans could see both Ohtani and Trout operate together in tandem. While the two-way prowess of Shohei Ohtani only reared its head in 2021, Trout has been consistently dominating MLB for a few years now. However, with the patchy injury records of both players, they had only seldom featured on a roster together. And while it seemed to pay dividends early in the season, the performances have recently declined. However, Trout is still bullish about his teammate.
Mike Trout reaffirms his belief in Shohei Ohtani
Speaking at the recently concluded game between the Angels and the Mets, the star center fielder opened up about his teammate and the trust he has in Ohtani’s ability. Trout said, “Nothing surprises me with him.”
Trout wasn’t just talking about just any other display either. Ohtani’s ability in crunch games and situations truly shines through. And especially now, when the Angels are attempting to rebuild their season after dropping to 3rd in the AL West, that becomes crucial to them doing well. Trout further added, “He went seven or eight innings and then he hit the homer to take the lead.”
Mike Trout on Shohei Ohtani
He is special.トラウト、大谷翔平選手について
"今さら何も驚く話は無い。
連敗を止めた試合で彼が見せたように、7回まで1失点で投げ逆転のHRを打つ。
彼は特別だよ。
多くの野球ファンが彼を見に来る。
ネビンが言うように彼に健康でプレーしてもらうことが大切" pic.twitter.com/e0SQKpivDa— 🙂®️ O O 🦘 (@r_0_0_I7x3sho2) June 13, 2022
Ohtani is delivering on both offense and defense for the Angels in what can only mean a positive trend for the franchise. “You know it’s just… It’s special,” he added.
Continued performance
Despite Ohtani’s consistent performances, the angels should be wary of his physical condition. The fans may egg on his performances from both sides of the plate, but Ohtani will need to be careful as to not sustain any injuries in this crucial part of the season.
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And who better to know about avoiding injury than fellow teammate and long-time MLB performer, Mike Trout. “Making sure he’s healthy and out there every day, it’s important,” Trout added regarding Ohtani’s physical condition.
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But what do you think of the LA Angels? Do you think they can still make it to the post-season despite their dismal run? Or will their stars run out of steam?