The Angels are aiming for the postseason. Ohtani's further success will be essential. (C)Getty Images

The Angels are struggling in a series of frustrating games. Shohei Ohtani's teammates are desperate for him to stay! If we can make it to the top of t

　Shohei Ohtani entered the game as the No. 3 designated hitter, but gave up no hits in four at-bats. In the first game against the Orioles on March 15, when he started and played in a "dual role," he had four hits and batted well, but he has not been heard from again in the last two games. The Angels lost the same game, losing 50% of their wins and spending their savings.

　Ohtani will be eligible to become a free agent after this season. The team has been unable to win enough games while there has been talk of releasing him in a trade that would give him some compensation before that. Gabe Lux of USA TODAY wrote, "It would be inaccurate to view this season as the last dance between the Angels and Shohei Ohtani. After all, the greatest two-way player in baseball history shouldn't be finalizing his 2024 destination for a few months," he argued, referring to his fellow postseason target. 　

Carlos Estevez, the holdout, commented, "I don't talk about it (with Otani), but everyone wants to be part of a team that can win." He added, "We are working hard. If we can get there, if we can get to the top of the playoffs, he will come back. It would be great to play another year with Otani. 　

We have two of the greatest players in the game on the same team right now. We need to be in the playoffs. We need to get there," he said, paying tribute to the two stars Otani and Mike Trout. 　Newcomer Hunter Renfroe pointed out the disappointment, saying, "We haven't played our best baseball yet. There is still room to grow, and that's a good thing. We are aiming to win 15 games in a month. We're going to get the wins we need to make the playoffs.

　Despite the words of his colleagues and local pundits, the Angels are still in a frustrating situation. The team is hoping to bounce back from its third-place finish in the A-League's West Division.

Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ee8134fdfa49e187b8e238b9c7e449db37419401