THROWBACK: New York Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Once Lauded Shohei Ohtani as a ‘Once in a Generation Type Talent’

The New York Yankees seem to be on a roll. Wrapping up a 3 match series with the LA Angels in a sweep, the Yankees sit pretty atop the AL East. And while manager Aaron Boone may have been a fan of Shohei Ohtani and his talismanic form over the 2021 season, he has failed to impress throughout this series just a year later.

The LA Angels are teetering on the .500 mark after capping a 9-game losing streak. Their longest since 2019. And while Mike Trout shoulders some of the offensive burdens, Shohei Ohtani is facing some trouble with his record in 2022 after starting slowly. Despite a brief performance window for the 2-way superstar, his performance has somewhat petered off in recent weeks, and we have seen a drop off from the LA Angels too.

Read More: WATCH: Shohei Ohtani’s Hilarious Play Against Toronto Blue Jays, After an Average Day From Mound

Aaron Boone could have to eat his words

Despite turning in a truly sensational 2021 season, AL MVP Shohei Ohtani has had a rude awakening this season. With a less than stellar record this season, Ohtani’s consistency has sure dropped off. But last season was a different story altogether. When the two sides met last year, Boone was overflowing with praise for the Japanese phenom.

Said Boone, “I think to get to this level as a position player takes a really special talent and skill-set and commitment and practice.”

Boone noted, that it wasn’t simply about a one-time performance but sustained play that gave him such a reputation. “All the things we’re hearing – the once in a lifetime, the once in a generation type talent, I don’t think that’s hyperbole at all,” he added.

This season, however, has been a let-down. With Ohtani unable to deliver on the performance he has shown us he is capable of.

Read More: WATCH: Giant-Sized Aaron Judge Robs Shohei Ohtani of His Home Run With a Stunning Grab

Shohei Ohtani underperforming?

The right-handed superstar has failed to impress pundits with his 2022 showing. With 189 at-bats under his belt, Ohtani has only managed 11 home runs and 32 RBI so far this season. Not a measly record by any margin, but a little way off his stratospheric 2021 showing.

Even his pitching has been lackluster. Despite racking up a significant pitch count, Ohtani could not get the desired results. He has recorded a 3.22 ERA from the mound. Far behind what fans expected from him when the season began. And with the Angels far ahead in the win count before this month, they suddenly stare at a losing record.

Watch This Story: New York Yankees Star Aaron Judge’s Impressive Workout Routine

But what do you think? Can Ohtani turn his season around from here? And can he make it as big as he did in 2021?