Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani blasted his 30th home run of the 2023 season Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here’s what you need to know:
- The home run went 493 feet, the longest of the season in MLB.
- For his career, Ohtani has 156 home runs.
- Entering Friday, Ohtani is slashing .309/.392/.666 with 66 RBIs. On the mound, Ohtani is 7-3 with a 3.02 ERA and 1.038 WHIP.
- The Angels fall to 44-40 after losing 6-2 to the Diamondbacks.
493 FEET 💪
Shohei Ohtani's 30th home run is the longest of his career and in MLB this season!
🎥 @MLBpic.twitter.com/xj6I2rHEZ3
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 1, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Evaluating Ohtani’s season
This was Ohtani’s 30th homer of the season. That puts him on pace for about 58 homers for the season, not far off of Aaron Judge’s American League record (62) set last season. Ohtani also set an Angels record with 15 homers in the month of June.
It’s all so ridiculous, considering his 3.02 ERA. He’s been the best hitter in baseball and one of the best-starting pitchers in the American League. There is no doubt that what’s unfolding is the greatest season ever played. — Blum
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What the rest of Ohtani’s season looks like
Obviously the story of this season will be about Ohtani’s future. The Angels are struggling of late and are not in playoff position. If the slide continues, it could make sense for the Angels to explore trades for Ohtani.
That said, Angels general manager Perry Minasian has indicated he’s opposed to that route regardless of the team’s record. Whatever happens, the backdrop of Ohtani’s future with him performing at this elite level will make for a fascinating three months. — Blum
Required reading
- Should the Angels trade Shohei Ohtani? It’s complicated
- Blum: Angels’ approach with Shohei Ohtani hardly ‘self-explanatory’
(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)