The Angels play at Dodger Stadium on Friday. Ohtani said he thinks the first appearance at Angel Stadium will be more emotional
DENVER — The day has come when Shohei Ohtani will face his former Angels team in a game that counts. If he’s excited or anxious about it, he’s keeping that to himself. More than likely, he just wants to get it over with.
Take it from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who recalled that’s the way he felt whenever he went against a former club during his lengthy playing career.
“I think he’s worried about today and once tomorrow comes, tomorrow comes,” Roberts said Thursday ahead of the Dodgers’ series finale against the Colorado Rockies. “I think that he is grateful for his time in Anaheim, grateful for the fans. And I think he just wants to help the Dodgers win, but I think he wants to get it over with.”
The Dodgers return home Friday to begin a two-game series against the Angels, where Ohtani emerged as a pitching and hitting superstar, winning a pair of American League MVP awards in his six seasons with the team. He joined the Dodgers in the offseason, agreeing to a $700 million free-agent contract, though he won’t pitch this season while continuing to recover from an injured elbow ligament.
Ohtani acknowledged “looking forward” to playing them and added that he still follows the Angels “here and there” to keep up with what he called the regular news.
Speaking through an interpreter following Wednesday night’s game, Ohtani also said the vibe surrounding his upcoming appearance against the Angels doesn’t feel all that different from any other game he’s played or will play with his new team because it is not in Anaheim.
“I believe more so when I go to Anaheim (it will be emotional for him),” Ohtani said. “But since we’re playing at Dodger Stadium, I’m just going to be focused on playing the game.”
KNACK TO START FRIDAY
Right-handed pitcher Landan Knack will be recalled by the Dodgers from Triple A Oklahoma City and start Friday night’s game against the Angels, Roberts said Thursday.
The Dodgers had considered going with a bullpen approach before opting to call up Knack. He’ll take the rotation spot that had been held by star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is out indefinitely with a strained right shoulder rotator cuff injury that forced him to leave his Saturday start early.
Knack is 3-2 with a 3.54 ERA for Triple A Oklahoma City. He made four starts for the Dodgers early in the season, going 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA.
PAGES PROGRESS
Rookie center fielder Andy Pages has become a fixture in the Dodgers’ lineup in relatively short order.
Pages made his major league debut April 16 against Washington after being called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill in for Jason Heyward, who missed time with a back problem.
Heading into Thursday’s game at Colorado, Pages was hitting .266 with eight home runs and 35 runs scored and he has played exceptional defense.
Roberts said he was surprised how quickly Pages has made adjustments.
“Yes. Pleasantly surprised, because it is not easy. He’s a very smart player. He lives and breathes baseball. He’s got a high baseball IQ. He’s not afraid to work,” Roberts said. “And he doesn’t run from big spots, where certain players do. He fought, he fought when he was scuffling (earlier). He continued to work, remained confident, fought in the batter’s box and competed. He’s got to the other side, so that shows me a lot.”
