What a wild opening week for managers with Shohei Ohtani on their roster.
The two-way Japanese star offers plenty more rewards than risk in fantasy lineups, but for those who have to designate him as a pitcher or a hitter, the first matchup of the fantasy season initially left many thinking spring training ended too soon.
When the Los Angeles Angels gave Ohtani the ball on Opening Day, it seemed like the safer play would be to keep him in fantasy lineups as a hitter. The short spring meant he probably wouldn’t throw more than four innings and the visiting Houston Astros have a lineup that can make even the game’s best pitchers look like little leaguers.
So of course Ohtani went 4.2 innings with nine strikeouts, one walk, four hits and one earned run. At the same time, he went 0-4 at the dish with one strikeout. Ouch.
A week later Ohtani was back on the mound at the Texas Rangers getting shelled for six earned runs in 3.2 innings. He struck out five while allowing two walks, six hits and a home run. And in between those outings Ohtani slashed an anti-climatic .200/.231/.280 with 0 RBI and nine strikeouts. Double ouch.
How did Ohtani respond? First he gave his bat CPR. Then he launched three home runs in two games against Texas and busted the slump as only a reigning MVP can.
Shohei wasn't messing around.
(MLB x @SIRIUSXM) pic.twitter.com/FZ6SGZWa1E
— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2022
Shohei again!
And this one was CRUSHED. pic.twitter.com/FtOiZ3dmfY
— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2022
Shohei Ohtani is heating up!
That's three homers in his past two games. pic.twitter.com/JcT7UAhKT2
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2022
Yeah, he’s going to be just fine this season. Not that there was any doubt.
Here are a few other players with bigger question marks to begin the year and how to handle them.
All stats through Sunday, April 17
