Video: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Cheered by Angels Fans at Exhibition in Anaheim Return
March 27, 2024
Playing his first game back at Angel Stadium as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani received a warm welcome from the crowd.
The fans gave Ohtani an ovation prior to his first at-bat in the top of the first inning in Tuesday's spring training game between the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels.
The at-bat ended in exciting fashion for the Angels, with Chase Silseth striking out the two-time American League MVP on a 96 mph fastball.
Ohtani had two plate appearances that both resulted in strikeouts. The 29-year-old established himself as the best player of this generation during his six seasons with the Angels.
Angel Stadium was very kind to Ohtani. He hit .277/.369/.585 with 99 homers and 46 stolen bases in 351 games as a hitter. His ERA was 2.22 with 358 strikeouts in 276 innings over 47 starts as a pitcher.
The Dodgers were able to sign Ohtani away from the Angels by giving him a 10-year, $700 million contract in the offseason. The two teams will play a two-game series against each other at Dodger Stadium during the regular season on June 21 and 22.
Tuesday marked the final exhibition game for both teams. The Dodgers will host the St. Louis Cardinals in their home opener on Thursday. The Angels will play the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Thursday at 3:05 p.m. ET.
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