Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Wins Major Award to End July
We have some breaking news for you.
Shohei Ohtani has added another award to his collection.
The accolades have become almost commonplace for the Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar, and after continuing his incredible season with more notable performances, Ohtani received American League Player of the Week honors for games spanning from July 24 through July 30.
He showcased his hitting prowess multiple times this week, but his best performance from this past week is arguably the best day he's had since he made the move to Major League Baseball in 2019.
The Angels played a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on July 27. Ohtani was on the mound to start the day, and he was masterful. He threw a complete game one-hitter -- the first time he's gone the distance as an Angel, before hitting two home runs against the Tigers in the second leg of the doubleheader -- a day that wound up being a sweep for the Halos.
It was the greatest possible showcase of all of Ohtani's talents as he continues his march toward what's almost undoubtedly going to be his second AL Most Valuable Player Award.
As of Monday, he's slashing .302/.403/.680 with an MLB-leading 39 home runs to go along with 81 RBI.
On the mound, he has a 3.43 ERA and 156 strikeouts through 20 starts, and is on pace to surpass his career high of 219 punchouts he set just last season.
All that, and the calendar hasn't turned to August yet.
Speaking of August, the Angels are now going for a playoff spot instead of selling ahead of MLB's August 1 trade deadline, a decision in large part made possible through Ohtani's recent exploits.
The Halos acquired Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Randal Grichuk, and CJ Cron over the past week, and sit just four games out of a playoff spot.
