Angels: Shohei Ohtani works out kinks in spring ball debut

Shohei Ohtani made his first start as an Angels player on Saturday, pitching one and a third innings against the Brewers in spring training.

The Angels and the entire league got their first look at Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, who threw in his first spring training game Saturday afternoon. The results — 1.1 IP, two hits, two runs, one walk, two strikeouts and a solo homer — were a bit mixed as Ohtani was having issues early locating his pitches.

However, he did register his first MLB punchout today, dropping a nasty breaking ball.

Ohtani would return the next inning facing outfielder Keon Broxton, and from the first pitch seemed to struggle to hit his spots. Broxton picked a high-fastball that was supposed to be low, and crush it to left field.

Ohtani just missed his spot, right after running a fastball underneath Broxton’s chin. While it’s fantastic we finally get to see Ohtani pitch in an Angels uniform it’s important not to think too much of this start.

It’s spring training, Ohtani could have been focusing on specific mechanics or pitches, as opposed to trying to strike batters out. However, with the quick hook in the second inning, Ohtani does have a few things to work on.

Here’s a look at where Angels catcher Martin Maldonaldo wanted the pitch Broxton drove out into left field.

His mitt was below Broxton’s knees, asking for a fastball low. Instead, he threw a tailing 2-seamer that landed perfectly on the bat head of Broxton. The tailing action actually helped Broxton pull the ball over the fence as well.

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But again, it’s early. There’s no reason to think Ohtani has an issue throwing strikes; it was his first game in MLB. He only saw six batters and got yanked right after making a mistake.

Let Ohtani make as many mistakes as he can here in spring training. Hopefully next time he runs into trouble Angels manager Mike Scioscia lets him work through those issues. Despite a shaky first outing, Ohtani still has plenty of promise for 2018.