2022 AL runner-up Shohei Ohtani likely to take the mound on Opening Day for second straight season

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels is unlikely to let any other player come before him. The two-way star is simultaneously one of the best pitchers and hitters in the entire MLB.

According to multiple sources, Angels manager Phil Nevin looks likely to give the nod to the 28-year-old on Opening Day. If he does indeed take the mound, it will be his second Opening Day start.

Nevin was speaking at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona. Ohtani reported for the pre-season along with all the other pitchers and catchers on Monday, February 13th.

Last year, Ohtani made the first Opening Day start of his career against a divisional rival, the Houston Astros. He pitched 4.2 innings, surrendering one run. He was eventually credited with his first loss of the season as his team lost 3-1.

""March 30: Shohei Ohtani Day" - @ Los Angeles Angels

The Angels will travel north up the coast to take on the Oakland Athletics on March 30th, marking a softer opponent for Ohtani on Opening Day. The Athletics were the worst team in the American League last season, winning only 60 matches.

2023 will represent a second chance for the Los Angeles Angels. Despite being touted as a prime contender in their division prior to last season, a brutal 13-game losing streak in June all but closed the books on any hopes they had.

Ohtani himself had a rocky 2023. Although he amassed a career-high number of strikeouts and doubles, many thought that he was not being adequately appreciated by his organization.

"This Shohei Ohtani pitch from last season left his hand at 100.5 MPH and had a couple of inches of cut! Only 36 MLB strikes last year were faster and had more cut (35 thrown by Emmanuel Clase, 1 by Graham Ashcraft)! cc: @pitchingninja" - @ Codify

Instead of signing Ohtani to a long-term deal under mutually acceptable terms, the Angels prolonged any contract talks until the arbitration deadline. Ohtani and the Angels were finally able to reach a 1-year deal worth $30 million.

Many pundits expect Shohei Ohtani, who only made $8.5 million in 2022, to be offered deals in excess of $500 million when he becomes a free agent next autumn.

Frustrations mount among Angels fans as Shohei Ohtani returns to fight another season

Despite having both Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, two of the best players, the Angels have proven themselves woefully incapable of making the postseason. If they fail to reach the playoffs in 2023, it will mark the ninth straight season that the Angels have failed to qualify.