Ohtani is first MLB player to qualify as both hitter, pitcher

Shohei Ohtani has made more MLB history. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Angels' Shohei Ohtani becomes first player in baseball history to qualify as both a hitter and pitcher

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/5/22

Los Angeles Angels' two-way dynamo Shohei Ohtani has made Major League history, again.

In a 2022 MLB season that's seen several historic feats reached, Ohtani added another accomplishment to the record books on the final day of the regular season.

Ohtani took the mound for the final time this season for the Angels in their season finale Wednesday against the Oakland A's. After setting the A's down in order in the first inning, Ohtani reached 162 innings pitched, becoming the first player in baseball history to qualify both as a pitcher and a hitter in the same season.

Shohei Ohtani: Officially a Qualified Starter (162nd inning).

1st player ever to officially qualify as both a hitter & pitcher. pic.twitter.com/oQ9zYRCjeG
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 5, 2022

Ohtani finished his final outing of 2022 by going 5.0 innings, allowing an earned run while striking out six.

The 28-year-old went 15-8 on the mound over 28 starts, with a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts.

At the plate, Ohtani batted .274/.356/.520 with 34 home runs and 95 RBI over 157 regular-season games.

Over the weekend, Ohtani signed the largest contract by an arbitration-eligible player ever, agreeing to a one-year, $30 million deal for 2023.

Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP, will be in the running for this year's honor, battling with New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge who recently hit home run No. 62, passing Roger Maris for the single-season AL home run record.

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