Japanese Sensation Shohei Ohtani Makes Los Angeles Angels Opening Day Roster

The Japanese star is set to make his long-anticipated debut against the Oakland A's

Mar 21, 2018, 12:00 AM Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:25 am

TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 12: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels is seen during a spring training game between Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels on March 12, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)

(Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)

(Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)

by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter

It has been a tough spring for the “Japanese Babe Ruth” Shohei Ohtani, who brings a massive spotlight to the MLB from his baseball career in Japan. The pitcher, hitter, outfielder triple threat carries the heavy weight of expectation on his shoulders to not only perform, but potentially change the game of baseball in the United States.

In the batters box this spring, Ohtani is a woeful 3 for 28 (.107) with nine strikeouts. On the mound, it’s even worse, an ERA of 27 with eight earned runs and three homers allowed in less than three full innings.

Despite his struggles, the Angels are still confident in his future and his ability. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale spoke with two high-ranking Angels executives who told him that Ohtani is scheduled to be the designated hitter on Opening Day against the Oakland A’s on March 29th in Oakland. He is also scheduled to make his starting pitching debut on game three of the season, Saturday, March 31st.

Ohtani’s next scheduled spring start is this Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.