Ohtani rewards Halos with historic shutout, 2 HRs
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DETROIT —
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The Angels plan to hold on to Ohtani for as long as they can.
“I never went up to Shohei and said, ‘Hey, we’re not trading you,'” Minasian said. “Think I made it pretty clear the last time we talked, I think, that he wasn’t going anywhere.”
Another factor in the decision, a source told ESPN on Wednesday, was that the Angels have been underwhelmed by the players offered in return for Ohtani.
The 2021 American League MVP leads the majors in homers and OPS at the plate and is among the leaders in opponent batting average and strikeouts on the mound. His 38 home runs are the most hit by an Angels player before August in franchise history, surpassing his own mark of 37 set in 2021, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
“He’s doing the impossible,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’re playing against a generational talent.”
When Chad Wallach tracked down a popup in foul territory for the final out of the fifth, Ohtani went out of his way to pick up the catcher’s mask and hand it to him.
He really can do it all.
“I love Shohei Ohtani,” Minasian said. “He comes in, prepares, works, goes out and performs on a nightly basis. Obviously, does both [hitting and pitching]. He’s a great teammate. He takes this really seriously. He eats it. He sleeps it.
“He’s somebody that we would love to have going forward.”
Aiming to bolster their chances of challenging for the AL West title or earning a wild card if they fall short in the division, the Angels acquired right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night. Giolito is expected to make his Angels debut Friday night against Toronto.
“I think this is the first time in my six years that we’re buyers,” Ohtani said.
The Angels also made another decision, designating 2021 All-Star slugger Jared Walsh for assignment. Walsh has hit .119 with one homer and five RBIs in 28 games this season, coming off an injury-stunted 2022. He has been struggling with headaches and insomnia this year.
“Gone through some hard times, and he’s trying to find it back,” Nevin said. “I know he’ll keep working. I hope he remains with us because I know when he gets on top of his game, we’re a better team with him.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
