Shohei Ohtani not worried despite decrease in velocity

Shohei Ohtani’s velocity on the mound has dipped in recent starts for the Los Angeles Angels.

While he can certainly make plays with his bat when he is not on the mound, we have to wonder if there are any lingering concerns about the decrease in velocity from Shohei Ohtani.

The starting pitcher/designated hitter has played in all but two of the Los Angeles Angels‘ games this season. While he has a strong 2.37 ERA in 30.1 innings pitched over six starts, the Angels find themselves below .500 and out of the postseason picture. He may have a slash line of .278/.324/.627 this year, but his recent comments about feeling “sluggish” are very troublesome.

Is Angels skipper Joe Maddon to blame for overworking Ohtani this season or is this no big deal?

Los Angeles Angels: Is Shohei Ohtani being overworked by the Angels?

When Ohtani came over to the United States in 2018, the plan was for him to serve as the designated hitter in games that he did not start for the Angels. While he did win Rookie of the Year in his age-23 season in 2018, Ohtani has had infinitely more success at the plate than he has from the rubber in his MLB career out of Japan. He can keep on doing both, but something has to give.

Ultimately, Ohtani’s staying power in the big leagues are contingent on his bat more than his arm. If he cannot sustain high-level velocity or develop into a crafty pitcher, he may need to transition into a full-time DH or a position player. With Albert Pujols being released and Mike Trout going on the IL, Ohtani is the last remaining star on the otherwise anonymous Angels of Anaheim this year.

Ohtani’s workload hinges entirely on how much he wants to have on his plate with the Angels.