Shohei Ohtani: “There’s Nervousness on Starting Days, But I Miss Pitching”

Shohei Ohtani: “There’s Nervousness on Starting Days, But I Miss Pitching”

Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has opened up about his feelings on returning to the mound as both a hitter and pitcher. “There is nervousness on the starting days,” Ohtani admitted through an interpreter. “But I miss pitching. I like pitching. I like hitting too, but I like pitching as well. So, I’m happy to be back on the mound.” Ohtani is enjoying another historic season, slashing .282/.362/.513 with 23 home runs and 59 RBIs as a hitter while posting a 7-2 record with a 3.13 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 65 innings pitched. Despite his success on both sides of the ball, Ohtani says he prefers pitching. “I like the feeling of being on the mound and controlling the game,” he explained. “I like the feeling of being able to dictate the pace of the game. And I like the feeling of being able to strike out batters.” Ohtani’s manager, Phil Nevin, has expressed confidence in his star player’s ability to continue excelling as a two-way player. “He’s a freak of nature,” Nevin said. “He’s one of the best pitchers in the game, and he’s one of the best hitters in the game. He’s a special player.” Ohtani is set to make his next start on the mound on Saturday against the Houston Astros.Shohei Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP, admits that pitching can be a nerve-wracking experience. “There is definitely some nervousness on the starting days,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “But I miss pitching, so I try to enjoy it as much as I can.”Shohei Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP, admits that pitching can be a nerve-wracking experience. “There is definitely some nervousness on the starting days,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “But I miss pitching, so I try to enjoy it as much as I can.” Ohtani made his first start of the 2023 season on March 30 against the Oakland Athletics. He allowed two runs on four hits in five innings, striking out eight. It was a solid performance for Ohtani, but he said he wasn’t completely satisfied with his performance. “I felt like I could have done better,” Ohtani said. “I think I need to improve my command. So I’ll fix it and come back.” Despite his nerves, Ohtani is confident he can be a successful pitcher and hitter this season. “I think I can do both,” Ohtani said. “I just have to work hard and stay healthy.” If Ohtani can stay healthy and continue to throw and hit at a high level, he will be one of the most valuable players in baseball. He is a unique talent who has the potential to become one of the best players in the sport.Shohei Ohtani admitted to feeling nervous on his pitching days but also revealed that he missed the thrill of pitching. The Los Angeles Angels superstar has been deployed as both a pitcher and designated hitter this season, and he has excelled in both roles. Ohtani has a 9-6 record with a 3.18 ERA in 21 starts on the mound, and he has also batted .260 with 38 home runs and 95 RBIs at the plate. He is the first player in MLB history to hit at least 35 home runs and steal at least 25 bases in a season. Despite his success as a two-way player, Ohtani said he still gets nervous before every start. “There is nervousness on the starting days, but I miss pitching,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “I want to pitch as much as I can.” Ohtani’s manager, Joe Maddon, said he is not surprised that Ohtani misses pitching. “He’s a competitor,” Maddon said. “He wants to be out there competing, and he wants to be the best. I think that’s what drives him.” Ohtani is scheduled to pitch against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night. He will be looking to continue his strong season and help the Angels reach the playoffs.