Shohei Ohtani, now in his second season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing in free agency from the Los Angeles Angels, is preparing to pitch against his former team for the first time at Angel Stadium. While he faced the Angels last season during the Freeway Series as a hitter for the Dodgers, this upcoming game will mark his debut pitching against the Halos in his old home ballpark.
Earlier this season in May, the Dodgers and Angels met, with the Angels sweeping the three-game series. At that time, Ohtani was still recovering and had not yet returned to the mound, only making his pitching season debut on June 16.
Dodgers Manager Expects Ohtani to Remain Composed
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani will keep his emotions in check during his first pitching appearance against the Angels at Angel Stadium. Roberts highlighted Ohtani’s typically steady demeanor, suggesting the pitcher is unlikely to be affected emotionally despite the significance of facing his former team in their own stadium.
I think that Shohei, he doesn’t show a whole lot of emotion,
Roberts said.
And so I don’t think he’ll be very emotional. I don’t.
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Ohtani’s Success and History with the Angels
Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, spending six seasons with the organization. During his time there, he received numerous individual accolades including the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year, three All-Star selections, and two MVP awards. Despite his achievements, Ohtani did not appear in the postseason while with the Halos.
His pitching record at Angel Stadium includes a strong 21-8 win-loss tally, a 2.22 ERA, and a 1.01 WHIP over 47 career starts. In the 2023 season with the Angels, Ohtani posted a 6-3 record and a 2.70 ERA before suffering a right elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery, halting his season.
Building Momentum With Recent Strong Performance
In his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ohtani delivered a solid performance, setting season highs with eight strikeouts, 54 pitches thrown, and four innings pitched. He allowed just one run on two hits and did not issue a walk.
Manager Roberts has indicated that the goal for Ohtani in the upcoming game against the Angels is to pitch four innings, continuing to gradually build his endurance and effectiveness after returning from injury.
Significance of the Upcoming Matchup
This game holds significance for both Ohtani and the Dodgers as it represents a direct test against his former club on the mound and in an arena where he achieved much success. Ohtani pitching against Angels will offer fans a compelling storyline, while his poised and controlled approach suggests he is focused on performance rather than emotion. How he fares in this outing could provide further insight into his recovery progress and role for the Dodgers moving forward.