The Los Angeles Angels remain in the playoff hunt thanks to the effort of one player.
Just when you think Shohei Ohtani can’t get any better, add another milestone to his career.
With June drawing to a close, Ohtani put together one of the best months imaginable.
According to OptaSTATS, Ohtani has hit 13 home runs and struck out 37 batters on the mound.
That makes him the first player in MLB history with 10+ home runs and 35+ strikeouts in a month.
He @AngelesShohei Ohtani in June:
13 HR (batting)
37K (launch)He is the first player in MLB history to hit 10+ HR and strike out 35+ batters in a month.
Only one other player has had a 10 HR month and a 35K month at some point in his career (in the same month or not): Babe Ruth. pic.twitter.com/HCNudl5dHH
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) June 28, 2023
The only player who compares to Ohtani is baseball legend Babe Ruth.
But even he wasn’t dominating as a two-way player like Ohtani is.
Ohtani has worked his way up to become the heavy favorite for American League MVP.
While the individual accomplishments are impressive, Ohtani has yet to play in the playoffs in his MLB career.
The Angels hope to end that drought this season.
They are 44-37 on the year and sit five games behind the Texas Rangers for first place in the AL West.
Based on how they’ve played this year, this is the season the Angels have to make the playoffs.
Plus, they have more than just a playoff drought to worry about.
Ohtani is a free agent after this season and if the Angels don’t make the playoffs again, he could be out.
The 28-year-old is in line for what will be the most lucrative contract in MLB history.
Finding a way to keep Ohtani will be the biggest move for the Angels in recent memory.
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MLB Insider points out an impressive fact about Shohei Ohtani
