Shohei Ohtani Can Be Game-Changer At DH
6 years agoEven though Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) won't pitch at all in 2019 after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, he could be a game-changer for fantasy owners in a DH spot. Ohtani joined Babe Ruth as the only players to hit 20 home runs and make 10 pitching outings in the same season in his rookie season. The 24-year-old hit .285/.361/.564 with 22 long balls, 21 doubles and 61 RBI in 104 games and was also an above-average runner on the bases. He was among the best at making hard contact, ranking 11th in average exit velocity at 92.6 mph. His hard-hit rate of 50.2 percent ranked him 10th in the majors. Ohtani will come at a value because he won't pitch this year and won't be ready for Opening Day, but he can still do serious damage with the bat when he's in the lineup.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger