As Shohei Ohtani works through a blister issue that has plagued him over his last three starts, the Los Angeles Angels are pushing his next start to Friday when the team visits the Toronto Blue Jays, per The Athletic‘s Sam Blum.
.acf-block-preview .instagram-twitter-container {
width: 340px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
Not only does the move give Ohtani an extra day, but it also lets the Angels use their ace in a more consequential matchup.
Entering Sunday, Los Angeles trailed the Blue Jays for the final spot in the AL wild card race by four games. After wrapping up a weekend series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Angels will head to Detroit for a three-game set against the Tigers — when Ohtani was originally scheduled to pitch — before making their way to Toronto.
With the Aug. 1 trade deadline looming, Los Angeles is looking to stay in contention and hold onto their two-way star for the stretch run before he enters free agency.
Ohtani, 29, has a 3.71 ERA over 111.1 innings in 2023. He has struggled of late, however, allowing four or more runs in three straight starts, while dealing the blister on his pitching hand.
Since his MLB debut, the 2021 AL MVP has made three starts against Toronto, posting a 2-1 record, 3.32 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 19 innings.
.acf-block-preview .br-related-links-wrapper {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
gap: 20px;
}
.acf-block-preview .br-related-links-wrapper a {
pointer-events: none;
cursor: default;
text-decoration: none;
color: black;
}
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
