The departure of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels was undoubtedly a significant loss for the team. However, this change might not be as catastrophic as it initially seems. While Ohtani held a prominent position as the face of the franchise, his departure might alleviate some challenges faced by the team.
Ohtani’s unique role as both a pitcher and a hitter allowed him the flexibility to dictate his pitching schedule. This flexibility, while tailored to Ohtani’s needs, seemed to disrupt the routines and schedules of other pitchers on the team. Angels left-hander Reid Detmers hinted at this on Foul Territory, shedding light on the impact of Ohtani’s pitching schedule on the team’s dynamics.
Reid Detmers on Foul Territory said that his belief is the #Angels will go back to a 5-man rotation this season.
“So that’s gonna be nice, staying on that routine every 5 days. 6 days is a long time.”
“Less of a wait in-between starts is gonna be nice.”https://t.co/MVTmkkVkaN pic.twitter.com/fUG2ERWjIC
— #SellTheTeamArte (@BeyondTheHalo) January 16, 2024
Detmers’ comments suggest that Ohtani’s pitching preferences inconvenienced other players, particularly pitchers who thrive on rhythm and consistent routines. Baseball players, especially pitchers, are creatures of habit, and any disruption can have a tangible effect on their performance.
Now that Ohtani has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Angels have the opportunity to return to a more conventional five-man rotation. This change is expected to provide the players with a greater sense of control and the ability to establish consistent routines throughout the season.
It’s crucial to note that blaming Ohtani for the struggles of others is not entirely accurate. His departure, however, offers the team a chance to reset and create an environment where players have more freedom over their routines, potentially leading to improved performance.
While Ohtani’s absence will be felt, the Angels might benefit from the newfound stability and routine that a traditional rotation brings. The team can now focus on regaining control and optimizing the performance of each player, with the hope that this adjustment contributes to a stronger performance in the upcoming season.