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Watch Angels' Shohei Ohtani Become 1st Japanese-Born Player to Hit for MLB Cycle
June 14, 2019
Shohei Ohtani may be limited to designated hitter this season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but the 24-year-old made sure his impact was still felt against the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday night.
The Los Angeles Angels DH became the first Japanese-born player in MLB history to hit for the cycle:
Ohtani's cycle began right away with a three-run home run—his eighth in 2019—in the top of the first inning, followed by a double in the third, triple in the fifth and single in the seventh.
Ohtani also became the first Angel to notch a cycle since Mike Trout in 2013, according to MLB Stats.
Entering Thursday, Ohtani held a .256 batting average on the season.
However, Ohtani's ability to hit for the cycle isn't surprising considering how he impressed during his 2018-19 rookie campaign.
Ohtani appeared in 104 games, posting a .285 batting average with 22 home runs and 61 RBI. Before injuring his pitching elbow, the right-hander started 10 games and tallied a 4-2 record on a 3.31 ERA. The marks were impressive enough to earn him 2018 American League Rookie of the Year honors.
Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery Oct. 1.
The multifaceted talent's cycle Thursday night is a promising glimpse into his recovery.
Prior to the Angels' game against the Rays, L.A. manager Brad Ausmus provided an update to MLB.com's Dawn Klemish.
"He's getting close," Ausmus said regarding Ohtani's return to pitching. "I don't know the exact date ... but I would say weeks, assuming everything goes well."
Ausmus added that "it's possible" Ohtani begins throwing before the All-Star break.