The talent of Los Angeles superstar Shohai Otani was on display in full on Sunday. Prior to the series’ finale against the New York Mets, Otani faced a live hitter for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair his UCL in September 2023.
More news: Former utility man Christaylor signs with an angel in surprise moves
He threw 22 pitches in the fifth batting innings, throwing to Hyson Kim, Dalton Rush and the ‘ game planning and communications coach JT Watkins. Otani had two strikeouts and issued one walk to the right field from Kim and one line drive.
Most notably, the right-handed fastball sat at 95 mph, but reached 95 mph, according to Pihiteing Coach Mark Prior.
Just a few hours later, Otani hit a 411-foot leadoff home run from Mets pitcher Kodaisenga on the second pitch of the game. Otani’s greatness was on display while the lost 3-1 on the Mets Sunday.
But just a day ago, Otani went 4-4 at the plate with three strikeouts against Mets left-handed David Peterson.
Peterson described his strong performance against the lineup, allowing two runs in 7.2 innings.
“He’s just a hitter,” Peterson said of Otani. “He’s one of nine people in their lineup, and that’s how I see them all.
“Obviously he’s a great player and he did what he did in this game. They have a lot of great batsmen over there. So he’s one of the nine guys in the lineup and that’s how I prepare.”
Peterson may prepare to face the LA lineup by believing that Ohatani is another man in the lineup, but the incumbent National League MVP hit his 19th home run of the season with the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.
Otani, who currently leads the league with home runs, hit the leadoff homer for Cleveland for the second day in a row. Ohtani is hard to explain, but greatness doesn’t know the scope.
More news: ‘ Freddie and Chelsea Freeman are donating $1 million to Orange County Children’s Hospital
Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Immagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!