Los Angeles Angels set to grant Shohei Ohtani's trade wish ahead of deadline

28 July 2023 , 16:59

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Shohei Ohtani will not be traded by the Los Angeles Angels

Shohei Ohtani has broken his silence after the Los Angeles Angels removed him from any trade talks following weeks of speculation and uncertainty.

This decision comes as Ohtani continues to impress both as a pitcher and designated hitter on the field. The Angels' choice to retain Ohtani comes at a time when the team have been experiencing an uptick in wins.

They have emerged victorious in eight of their last 11 games since the All-Star Break, including a commanding 6-0 win over the Detroit Tigers in the first game of a doubleheader.

After these recent successes, the Angels find themselves four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the third wild card spot in the American League. Ohtani played a crucial role in the Angels' triumph over the Tigers, pitching a complete game one-hitter with eight strikeouts.

The performance was a much-needed boost for both Ohtani and the team amidst the swirling trade rumours. Following the game, Ohtani addressed his future with the Angels, reassuring fans that his focus remains on securing a playoff spot for the franchise, reports the Express. US.

Inside Shohei Ohtani's MLB contract stand-off as Mike Trout sends him plea

"From the beginning, my plan was to finish strong this season with the Angels," Ohtani said. "All the people talking around about the trades, that's gonna be all gone. I could just focus on taking this team to the playoffs."

Shohei Ohtani has been on fire so far this season (AP)

Ohtani went 2-for-3 with two home runs in an 11-4 victory in the second game of the doubleheader against Detroit. Angels general manager Perry Minasian praised Ohtani, saying: "I love Shohei Ohtani.

"He comes in, prepares, works, goes out, and performs on a nightly basis. Obviously, he does both (hitting and pitching). He's a great teammate. He takes this really seriously. He eats it. He sleeps it. He's somebody that we would love to have going forward."

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Joshua Lees