Angels: Phil Nevin Says Shohei Ohtani's Rare Display of Emotion Shows He Wants to 'Win Here'

Shohei Ohtani - New York Yankees v Los Angeles Angels
(Photo : Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - Shohei Ohtani (#17) of the Los Angeles Angels after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 17, 2023 in Anaheim, California.

July has not been kind to the Los Angeles Angels.

It is unknown whether the next two weeks will be great for them either.

What's clear is the team badly needs to win, and that is what superstar Shohei Ohtani showed in their victory against the New York Yankees.

The two-way player from Japan again wheeled the Angels to a victory by firing a 1-2 pitch to dead center field. Shotime draped this sensational play with a bat flip.

Read more: Aaron Boone Says Yankees Got 2 Months to Get Better as Struggles Continue

While some see the bat flip as showboating, manager Phil Nevin believes it is just Ohtani showing some emotions on the field, one of the rare times he does such a thing.

"He wants to win in the worst way," Nevin said after the victory.

"It's just been frustrating for him the last two weeks as it is for everybody. He wants to win and he wants to win here."

Two weeks to decide on Ohtani's future

The victory against the equally struggling Yankees is a confidence booster for the club and the fans.

They now sit fourth in the AL West standings and under .500 for a wild card spot.

Angels have around two weeks to decide on Ohtani's future, regarded as the top free agent by next summer.

Recent reports revealed they are now in 'listening mode' for offers for the 28-year-old, although they will have to do more to get him.

The Angels made it known that they want to reach their first playoffs since 2014. Ohtani, with his caliber, likewise has yet to play in a post-season since coming to MLB in 2018.

Related article: Los Angeles Angels Considering Trading Shohei Ohtani

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