Baseball Twitter reacts to possibility that Shohei Ohtani could pitch vs. Team USA in World Baseball Classic final: "He’s throwing a perfect game"
All-world superstar Shohei Ohtani of Team Japan could pitch in the World Baseball Classic championship game against Team USA on Tuesday night, according to a report by MLB insider Bob Nightengale.
Of course, Japan has to defeat Team Mexico in Monday's WBC semifinal for there to be any possibility of Ohtani seeing action on the mound in the title round. If Japan makes the championship game, San Diego Padres starter Yu Darvish would seem likely to get the start.
Shohei Ohtani pitching against Team USA in the WBC finals has not been ruled out completely, per @BNightengale https://t.co/AbREDhtOna
While it is doubtful that Shohei Ohtani would start against the USA – again, if Japan makes the title game – many fans see any possibility of Ohtani taking the mound as automatic doom for the defending WBC champions.
Its a wrap for USA then twitter.com/talkinbaseball…
He’s throwing a perfect game twitter.com/talkinbaseball…
Not so fast, believe other baseball fans. After all, the USA just rocked Team Cuba 14-2 in its WBC semifinal game and it appears that the American bats may have finally awoke from their near-tournament-long slumber.
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale AND WE ARE GONNA ROCK HIS SHIT
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale He’s about to get lit up if that happens
As noted, Japan needs to defeat Mexico to set up any prospective Ohtani vs. USA matchup. Mexican fans, as well as many others simply rooting for Mexico, took exception with Nightengale's report that came three hours before Japan and Mexico hit the field at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Fla.
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale They gotta win the fucking game against Mexico first Jesus Christ lmao
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale They still have to GET to the finals
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale lmao just hope this doesn’t age badly by jumping Japan winning today prediction
But, if it were to happen, there's a whole lot of Los Angeles Angels fans – and many MLB fans at large – who would be glued to their television screens to watch Shohei Ohtani take on Angels teammate, and fellow former American League MVP, Mike Trout.
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale Destiny demands Ohtani vs Trout.
🏽@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale Need to see Trout vs. Shohei 🙏🏽
Of course, speaking of the Los Angeles Angels, the team may not be particularly enamored with their phenomenal pitching/hitting combo superstar pitching in the World Baseball Classic in such rapid succession.
Albeit, it would be five days between pitching appearances, which is pretty much the norm during the MLB schedule – but the WBC isn't the MLB, and the Angels might be a bit rankled by Ohtani seeing that much work before opening day.
@TalkinBaseball_ @BNightengale Ohtani pitched THU, if he pitches TUE, Angels fans should be incredibly annoyed.
Shohei Ohtani having a good showing in World Baseball Classic
Shohei Ohtani has had a good showing at the World Baseball Classic. He is hitting .412 with one home run, eight RBIs and seven runs. On the mound, he is pitching to the tune of a 2-0 record, 2.08 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 10 strikeouts.