Angels' Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History as First Player to Start on Mound and Hit Leadoff

Ohtani's Historic Night

Los Angeles Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani made history on Tuesday night by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to start on the mound and hit leadoff in a game.

Ohtani, who is a Japanese two-way star, took the mound against the Oakland Athletics and pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out nine batters.

He also hit leadoff and went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Ohtani's Impressive Performance

Ohtani's performance was all the more impressive considering that he had not pitched in a major league game since September 2021 due to Tommy John surgery.

He also had not hit leadoff since 2018.

Ohtani's historic night is a testament to his unique talents and his ability to contribute to his team in a variety of ways.

Ohtani's Future Outlook

Ohtani is expected to continue to be a key part of the Angels' lineup in both the rotation and as a designated hitter.

He is one of the most exciting young players in baseball and his historic night is sure to be remembered for years to come.

Additional Information

• Ohtani is the first player to start on the mound and hit leadoff since Babe Ruth in 1919.
• Ohtani is the first Japanese player to start on the mound and hit leadoff in a major league game.
• Ohtani is the first player to start on the mound and hit leadoff in a game since the designated hitter rule was introduced in 1973.

Sources

1. Angels' Shohei Ohtani makes MLB history
2. Shohei Ohtani makes MLB history, starting, pitching, hitting leadoff
3. Shohei Ohtani makes MLB history as first player to start on mound and hit leadoff