Shohei Ohtani admits it's hard to remain motivated amid Angels' difficult season

Things have not gone according to plan for the Los Angeles Angels this season. They are 45-61, in fourth place in the AL West and 24 games out of first place. That’s a miserable place to be, admits superstar Shohei Ohtani.

“Remaining motivated in that way is hard,” Ohtani told the Los Angeles Times following a 3-1 loss to the A’s earlier this week.

Ohtani hurled 5.2 inning of two-run ball, but it wasn’t enough for the Angels. Their bats couldn’t get going, and Ohtani himself went 0-for-3.

“Individually, there are many things I have to do,” he said. “But my life in baseball will continue for some time and whatever the circumstances, I’d like to be focused each and every game.”

Since those comments were made, the Angels have gone 1-1, including an 8-7 loss to Oakland in which they connected for seven solo home runs. They were barely able to escape the Marines on Friday night, rebounding in the 10th inning after blowing a 4-0 lead in the ninth.

Things are not likely to get any easier for the Angels, either. They traded away starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard, closer Raisel Iglesias and outfielder Brandon Marsh at the deadline.

“I’m cheering from the bottom of my heart for the players who left,” Ohtani added. “I’d like them to be part of good teams, get results and do their best in the postseason.”

“As a player, it’s pretty tough knowing the chances are low that a win will play a part in getting you to the postseason. But I think I’d like to do what I have to do the best I can,” he said.

The remainder of the season is certain to be a grind for Ohtani and his Angels teammates.