Shohei Ohtani's 2020 Pitching Stats: A Look Back

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey baseball fanatics! Let's rewind the clock a bit and take a trip back to 2020. Remember the year? It was a wild one, to say the least. And amidst all the chaos, our favorite two-way superstar, Shohei Ohtani, was gearing up for what would be an interesting season. Now, we're going to dive deep into Shohei Ohtani's pitching stats from 2020. It's a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in his career, and it's essential for understanding the journey that brought him to where he is today: a bonafide MLB superstar. Keep in mind, this season was cut short due to the pandemic, so the sample size is smaller than usual. But even with the abbreviated season, the data tells a compelling story.

The Context of 2020: A Season Unlike Any Other

Before we jump into the numbers, let's set the stage. The 2020 MLB season was unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic threw the entire world, including the sports world, into disarray. The season was delayed, shortened to just 60 games, and played under strict health and safety protocols. This meant different training routines, a different schedule, and a whole different vibe around the game. Ohtani, coming off Tommy John surgery, was still working his way back to full strength on the mound. His role was also shifting slightly as he focused more on his hitting, making his pitching appearances all the more crucial and closely watched. The expectations were high, and everyone was eager to see how he would perform after his surgery and with the changes to the season. This backdrop provides crucial context for understanding the challenges and triumphs of Ohtani's pitching performance in 2020. This shortened season offered a unique opportunity to evaluate his progress and assess how well he was recovering. It was a year of adjustments and careful management for Ohtani and the Angels.

Shohei Ohtani's 2020 Pitching Stats: The Numbers Game

Alright, let's get to the juicy stuff: the Shohei Ohtani pitching stats themselves! In 2020, Ohtani made a limited number of appearances on the mound due to his recovery from surgery and the overall shortened season. Let's break down some of the key stats:

  • Games Started: He started only two games. Given the season's brevity, this was a small sample size, which is important to remember when analyzing the numbers.
  • Innings Pitched: Ohtani pitched a total of 1 2/3 innings across those two starts. This indicates that his outings were carefully managed, as the Angels were cautious with his workload as he was coming back from injury.
  • ERA (Earned Run Average): His ERA for the season was a staggering 37.80. Yikes, right? But before we panic, keep in mind the limited innings pitched and the circumstances surrounding his return.
  • WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched): His WHIP was 6.00, which is also a high number. This is another indicator that he struggled with control and allowing baserunners during his short time on the mound.
  • Strikeouts: He recorded one strikeout. This is just a small sample size, so it doesn't give a complete picture of his ability to generate strikeouts.
  • Walks: He walked 7 batters.
  • Hits Allowed: He allowed 8 hits.

These Shohei Ohtani pitching stats paint a clear picture: 2020 was a tough year for him on the mound, but it's crucial to look beyond the surface level of these stats. The high ERA and WHIP are certainly concerning, but they don't tell the whole story. Remember, he was still recovering and regaining his form after a significant surgery. The abbreviated season gave him limited opportunities to find his rhythm and fully showcase his talents.

Diving Deeper: Analyzing the Performance

Now, let's zoom in on what these Shohei Ohtani pitching stats really tell us. The most obvious takeaway is that Ohtani struggled to find his command and effectiveness in those two starts. He gave up a lot of runs and struggled to keep runners off base. However, there are some important considerations:

  • Tommy John Surgery Recovery: The primary factor here is the recovery from Tommy John surgery. This is a major operation that requires a long and arduous rehabilitation process. It takes time for pitchers to regain their full velocity, command, and overall feel for their pitches. The 2020 season was essentially a part of that recovery process.
  • Limited Sample Size: As mentioned, with only two starts and very few innings pitched, the stats are highly susceptible to fluctuations. A bad outing or two can significantly skew the numbers, and that's precisely what happened in this case.
  • Focus on Hitting: Ohtani's role was evolving. He was becoming a more prominent hitter, and the team may have been prioritizing his development at the plate. This could have impacted the time and focus he put into his pitching during this period.
  • Mental Aspect: Coming back from a major surgery and struggling on the mound can take a toll mentally. Confidence is crucial for pitchers, and Ohtani may have been battling some self-doubt during these starts. The shortened season might have also limited his opportunities to get into a rhythm and build confidence.

Considering these factors, it's unfair to judge Ohtani's pitching ability solely on the 2020 stats. It was a stepping stone in his journey, not a full representation of his potential.

The Road Ahead: Learning from 2020

The 2020 season served as a valuable learning experience for Ohtani. He and the Angels could analyze what worked and what needed improvement. These are the aspects they probably focused on:

  • Refining Mechanics: Ohtani likely worked on refining his pitching mechanics to improve his command and reduce the risk of further injury. Small adjustments can make a big difference in a pitcher's performance.
  • Pitch Selection: He might have experimented with his pitch selection, trying to find the best mix of pitches to keep hitters off balance and improve his effectiveness.
  • Building Strength and Endurance: The training staff would focus on building up his arm strength and stamina to withstand the rigors of pitching at the major league level.
  • Mental Toughness: Ohtani would have focused on building mental toughness and resilience to handle the pressure of pitching at the highest level.

It's important to remember that every professional athlete, especially those recovering from injuries, experiences ups and downs. The ability to learn from setbacks and continue to improve is what separates the good from the great. The Shohei Ohtani pitching stats from 2020 are a piece of that puzzle.

Comparing to Other Seasons

How do Shohei Ohtani's pitching stats from 2020 compare to his other seasons? Let's take a quick look:

  • 2018: Before his Tommy John surgery, Ohtani showed promise. In 10 starts, he had a 3.31 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP, demonstrating his potential as a starting pitcher. However, he got injured and needed surgery.
  • 2021: After a full recovery, Ohtani had a breakout year. He made 23 starts, with a 3.18 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and recorded 156 strikeouts. This demonstrated how far he had come after the surgery.
  • 2022: He continued to improve. In 28 starts, his ERA was 2.33, and his WHIP was 1.01. His strikeout numbers remained high, which solidified his status as an elite pitcher.
  • 2023: In 23 starts, Ohtani had a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and 167 strikeouts. Showing he's consistency in the MLB.

Comparing these seasons highlights the dramatic improvement in Ohtani's pitching ability after recovering from his injury. The 2020 stats are a stark contrast to his performance in subsequent years, showing how he was able to bounce back. The 2020 season, therefore, becomes an outlier, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance in baseball.

The Legacy of 2020

So, what's the legacy of Shohei Ohtani's pitching stats from 2020? In the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor blip on the radar of a sensational career. It serves as a reminder that even the most talented athletes face challenges and setbacks. It emphasizes the importance of patience, resilience, and the long-term view. The 2020 season wasn't a failure; it was a necessary step on the road to his current success. The experience allowed Ohtani to work on his weaknesses, refine his skills, and ultimately become a more dominant pitcher. The struggles of 2020 paved the way for the triumphs we've seen since, making him one of the most exciting players in baseball history.

Conclusion: Looking Forward

In conclusion, while the Shohei Ohtani pitching stats from 2020 weren't pretty, they don't define his pitching career. Instead, they represent a period of recovery, adjustment, and learning. It’s a testament to his dedication and hard work. As we look ahead, we can appreciate the incredible journey that Ohtani has been on and the impact he continues to make on the sport. He is a truly special player, and his future is bright. Let's keep watching and enjoying the show!