Ohtani lobbies Angels: 'I would like to play more'
Los Angeles Angels rookie sensation Shohei Ohtani has already become the talk of the town during an impressive first month in the bigs, but he wants the chance to do more.
With the 23-year-old phenom excelling as both a pitcher (2-0, 2.08 ERA) and hitter (three home runs, .364 avg, 1.189 OPS), he's lobbying the Angels for more playing time.
"It's the beginning of the season, so I think they are being pretty careful with me right now," Ohtani said through a translator Wednesday, according to ESPN. "Once the season gets tougher and the schedule gets tougher throughout the summer, hopefully I can make them want to play me more. I would like to play more. If not, that's what it is. I have to follow what they have to say."
Ohtani hit home runs in three consecutive games last week and also tossed a one-hit gem with 12 strikeouts Sunday against the Oakland Athletics.
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He's expected to DH against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday and Friday before getting an off day Saturday, according to Angels manager Mike Scioscia. His next scheduled start as a pitcher is Sunday.
Ohtani has appeared in six games as a hitter - all as DH or pinch hitter - alongside his two starts as a pitcher. In those games, the Angels own a 7-1 record.