MLB teams haven’t found much success trying to get Shohei Ohtani out at the plate, so the Kansas City Royals decided to try something new on Thursday.
The Royals employed a defensive shift on Ohtani for the Japanese slugger’s at-bat in the ninth inning. They moved shortstop Alcides Escobar to the right of second base and shifted third baseman Mike Moustakas towards shortstop.
Royals try a shift on Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/O1TNdvLr02
— Larry Brown Sports (@larrybrownsport) April 13, 2018
Ohtani hit a grounder to Moustakas and was thrown out, so it’s the possible the ball could have found a hole had they been in usual positions. Earlier in the game, Ohtani drove in three on a bases-clearing triple. He also walked in the game.
Ohtani is up to 11 RBIs in just seven games as a hitter. His OPS is 1.183, which is pretty ridiculous considering he’s also been the team’s best pitcher.
