‘Not Accusing Anybody…’- LA Angels Manager Joe Maddon Hints at Possible Reasons for Shohei Ohtani’s Recent Slump

After a great start to the 2022 regular season, the LA Angels are going through a tough phase in the American League. More so, their two-way phenom seems to be out of form in the ballparks. In a recent series against the New York Yankees, Shohei Ohtani, once again, failed to perform from the mound.

Notably, the recent failures of Shohei Ohtani have put questions on his capabilities. Whether it is from the mound or the plate, the Japanese star has failed to perform from both ends. And that is one of the reasons the Angels are on a losing streak.

Even the Angels manager could not believe it when Ohtani allowed three home runs in a single game against the New York Yankees. Maddon also appreciated the Yankees players for their wonderful game.

Did Shohei Ohtani tip his pitches against the Yankees?

Whether Ohtani tipped his pitches will remain a mystery, but no one can deny that the Angels star was predictable against the New York Yankees. Because allowing more than two home runs and only two strikeouts in a game was probably the worst performance from Ohtani.

After suffering a 6-1 defeat to the Pinstripes, Maddon said the Yankees are very good at reading the pitches. While he did not accuse anyone of tipping the pitches, per MLB insider Rhett Bollinger, Maddon hinted at Ohtani for possibly tipping his pitches.

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“Joe Maddon noted it was strange to see Shohei Ohtani register just three swings and misses on the mound. Didn’t accuse the Yankees of doing anything wrong but he hinted at Ohtani possibly tipping pitches.” Bollinger shared the same on Twitter.

The full statement of the Angles manager goes, “They’re really good at reading pitches, they’re really good at it. I’m not accusing anybody of anything except that they’re good at it. If you’re able to acquire things through natural means, I think it’s great. There are things that pitchers do that other teams can pick up on. We need to be more vigilant.”

The Angels lose their 9th consecutive games

Considering the current scenario, the Angels’ dream to make it to the World Series seems in danger. Because they have lost nine games in a row. At once, the Angels were top of the AL West, but things have changed recently.

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The Houston Astros not only dethroned the Angels from the top, but they have also strengthened their position at the top. With 34 wins out of 52 games, the Astros have a lead of seven wins over the Angels. And given the situation, the Angels’ chances to play in the World Series are in real danger.