Otanie misses day after hitting fifth home run of season

Choi Ji-Man (32-Pittsburgh Pirates) sat out a day after hitting a home run because of the platoon system, which determines whether a batter plays or not based on the type of starting pitcher he faces.

Choi was benched for the entire game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA, on April 23.

The Angels started left-handed pitcher Reed Detmers on the mound.

Although Choi had hit a home run off Shohei Ohtani in the previous game, the Pittsburgh bench removed the left-handed hitter from the starting lineup when the left-hander started.

Choi didn’t even get a chance as a pinch hitter.

In 18 games this season, Choi is batting .186 (11-for-59) with five home runs and nine RBIs for an OPS of .770.

Pittsburgh swept the Angels, 3-0, in the nightcap.

Ohtani, who doubles as a designated hitter, went 0-for-4 in the game, striking out three times.

Ohtani’s season batting average dropped from .305 to .302 (111-for-368).

Pittsburgh took the lead in the top of the fifth when Brian Reynolds singled up the middle with runners on first and second, and Carlos Santana followed with a two-run double to left.

In the top of the sixth, leadoff hitter Endy Rodriguez hit a solo home run over the center field wall to make it 3-0.

Pittsburgh turned to bullpen arm Ryan Borucki for the opener and a bullpen day. Borucki (1 1/3 innings), Osvaldo Vido (3 innings), Jose Hernandez (1 1/3 innings), Carmen Mlodzinski (1 1/3 innings), 토토사이트 and David Bednar (1 inning) combined for a scoreless inning to set the stage for Pittsburgh’s victory.