The enemy’s misfortune is my happiness. It is an unavoidable reason in the world of competition.
Los Angeles Angels Shohei Ohtani is said to have expressed deep disappointment over the failure to win two consecutive American League (AL) MVP titles after the end of last season.
“All I can say is that Ohtani is very disappointed that he didn’t win the MVP,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said in an interview with MLB Network Radio ahead of the start of spring training in February. As it was revealed, Ohtani’s true feelings became known.
As Ohtani communicated with coach Nevin during the offseason, he appeared to be candid about his feelings about not being voted MVP.
Ohtani also gave a negative evaluation of the team that failed in the postseason in an interview at the airport in Japan in October of last year, saying, “I think my season was better than last year,” and expressed his expectation for MVP. Ohtani was unanimously selected as the AL MVP in 2021, writing the myth of dual-time pitching.
But last year, he couldn’t surpass the home run achievement of Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Judge hit 62 homers last year, breaking the AL record for most in a single season in 61 years.
Ohtani also had a batting average of 0.273, 34 homers, 95 RBIs, 90 runs scored, an OPS of 0.875 as a hitter, and a pitcher of 166 innings, recording 15 wins and 9 losses, an average ERA of 2.33, and 219 strikeouts, respectively, showing comparable results to Judge. In addition, for the first time in history, he vomited the spirit of filling both the prescribed at-bat and the prescribed innings at the same time, realizing a true two-time double career.
However, the vote of the reporters was focused on Judge. Of the 30 first-place votes, Judge took 28, while Ohtani only got two. It was unavoidable.
This season, therefore, draws attention to the second round of the MVP competition between the two players. From the beginning of the season, fans and media are paying attention to whether Ohtani will be able to break down the stronghold of the home run king, Judge.
However, an important variable occurred. Judge is on the disabled list again with an injury. After losing 2-3 to the Chicago White Sox on the 7th (hereinafter Korean time), Yankees manager Aaron Boone told local media, “Jerger suffered a toe bruise, and they say he has damaged ligaments.” You have to look at it. You have to wait for the swelling to subside.”
In a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers held at Dodger Stadium on the 4th, Judge injured the thumb of his right foot after catching JD Martinez’ deep line drive batted ball in the bottom of the 8th inning and hit the right fence net. After resting on the 5th, he rested on the 6th, but as his condition did not improve, the IL registration was decided on that day.
This is the second time this season that Judge has been on the IL. Judge, who came to the IL on the 29th of last month due to a hip injury, took 11 days off and returned on May 10th. After that, he hit 13 home runs in 23 games, marking his 19th home run season, leading the AL in this category. In the meantime, another unexpected injury came while showing off the climax of hitting, such as writing multi-home runs three times.
On the other hand, Ohtani hit his 16th home run of the season against the Chicago Cubs that day. He tied for second in AL home runs with Houston Astros Jordan Alvarez. The jersey was approached by three cars.
It’s hard to predict when Judge will return, but if it’s a toe ligament injury, it should take at least two to three weeks. Missed more than 15 games. Judge, who has already missed 10 games earlier, is at an absolute disadvantage in the home run competition. If he falls behind Ohtani in the home run category, it goes without saying that he will compete for MVP.메이저놀이터
The English version of the Spanish media, Marca, commented on the day, “With Judge on the injured list today, Ohtani has a chance to regain the AL MVP.”