TORONTO – Cory Gosselin had eagerly been anticipating the opportunity to see Shohei Ohtani, a once-in-a-generation baseball player, pitch live. Unfortunately, due to the scheduling quirks of the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani pitched during a doubleheader in Detroit on Thursday, which means he may not be playing in the first game of their three-game series in Toronto on Friday.
“I’ve been trying to get tickets to see Shohei for the past few years, but for some reason, it never worked out,” said Gosselin, who purchased tickets for Friday’s game months ago after learning that a friend’s father would be visiting Canada from France for the first time. Gosselin had thought it would be the perfect opportunity for the father’s first Major League Baseball experience since Ohtani was scheduled to pitch. However, now it seems uncertain if Ohtani will even play.
Ohtani, who signed with the Angels in December 2017 after playing in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, is known for his exceptional skills as both a pitcher and a hitter. He is often compared to the legendary Babe Ruth. In Thursday’s doubleheader, Ohtani pitched a complete game one-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and hit two home runs, helping the Angels secure victories.
Due to Ohtani’s demanding schedule, he only pitches every six games. Originally scheduled to pitch in Toronto on Friday, a rainout in Detroit forced the doubleheader, resulting in Ohtani’s start being moved up a day. Playing twice in one day also increases the likelihood of Ohtani getting a day off on Friday.
Gosselin, like many others, was disappointed by the turn of events. In a tweet, one user expressed concern about the high prices of secondary market tickets for Ohtani’s supposed start on Friday. Another ticket holder mentioned spending $140 to watch Ohtani pitch.
Even though there were rumors about Ohtani being traded, the Angels recently made moves to bolster their roster, indicating their commitment to making a playoff push. This decision raised questions for Gosselin as to why Ohtani would be starting in Detroit instead of Toronto, considering the latter is in a more competitive position for a playoff spot.
Gosselin was baffled by the decision, stating, “What blows my mind is that they are keeping him to make a playoff run, so why switch it so that he doesn’t play against the better team? Let’s face it, Detroit is probably an easy win, right? Or they should be an easy win. So why not have Shohei pitch against the better team tomorrow and secure an important win.”
Instead, the Angels will have Lucas Giolito make his debut against the Blue Jays’ ace Kevin Gausman. The Blue Jays currently hold the third and final wild-card spot in the American League, which makes the series in Toronto significant for the AL’s post-season picture.
Overall, it’s a disappointment for fans like Gosselin who were hoping to witness Ohtani’s remarkable talent on the mound in person. The game schedule changes have put a damper on their plans.