Following a loss to the Texas Rangers on Thursday night, Los Angeles Angels’ dynamic talent Shohei Ohtani was asked about his future with a team that is currently 15 games below .500. Ohtani told Sam Blum of The Athletic he is just trying to win regardless of where he’s playing, but he did say he’s thankful for everything the Angels have done for him.
“Regardless of where I’m playing, I’m going to give it my all and try to win that ballgame in front of me,” Ohtani (seen above after a July 26 home run) said. “I’m with the Angels right now, and I’m very thankful for what they’ve done. I love my team and my teammates. Right now I’m an Angel, and that’s all I can focus on.”
While Ohtani and Mike Trout have been All-Stars in Los Angeles, the Angels have yet to see the benefits of their star power. In five seasons since Ohtani’s arrival to America, the Angels have finished below .500 and missed the playoffs each year.
Thursday’s loss puts the Angels 22.5 games back from the first-place Houston Astros in the AL West. Ohtani finished his night on the mound by giving up eight hits and two runs over six innings.
[The Athletic; photo from Denny Medley/USA Today Sports]