The Angels’ 24-year-old Japanese rookie can hit, and his .278 batting average proves it. He can pitch, and his 4-1 record proves it. And Shohei Ohtani, at least in spurts, can also steal bases.
“I think I still lack the skill part of stealing a base,” he said through a translator, “so I only try to go when it’s close to 100% that I’m going to be safe.”
Manager Mike Scioscia said that while it only marked Ohtani’s second stolen base of the season, his ability to make things happen with his legs isn’t a surprise.
On Friday, Ohtani played in his fourth game since returning from the disabled list, but he’s still not cleared to pitch.