Ohtani Shohei (29, LA Angels) once again made three appearances in one game with catcher hit obstruction and two walks. Why is Ohtani so obstructive?

On the 13th스포츠토토 (Korean time), Ohtani started as the 3rd and designated hitter in the 2023 Major League away game with the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and had 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

As a result, Ohtani’s season batting average fell from 0.293 to 0.289.

Ohtani walked in the first inning and struck out in the third. Hitting interference came out in the 5th inning. Cleveland catcher Cam Gallagher stepped on first base due to hitting interference.

According to Matt Birch, a reporter covering the Angels, Ohtani became the first Angels player to hit base at least five times in a season. In 2019, Tommy La Stella topped the list with 6, followed by Darin Ulstad in 2001 with 5.

According to Japanese Full Count, MLB.com’s Angels reporter Rhett Bowlinger said, “It’s rare to record five obstructions at this time.” “I’m not sure why. That’s all,” he said in his opinion.

“The swing looks the same as last year. It won’t affect the batting,” he said. “Ohtani has changed the bat since this season. The bat length may have an effect.

He also mentioned the opposing catcher. He said, “When Ohtani swings, he touches the mitt from the original position, so he has to take a more backward stance. Catchers will also have to come up with countermeasures. It will be difficult if we do not take measures against it,” he said.