Angels star Shohei Ohtani uses PitchCom to call his own game in season opener

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Los Angeles Angels pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder Shohei Ohtani 2023 season got off to a unique start.

The former American League MVP often dazzles fans and even opposing teams when he is on the pitching mound or standing at the plate with a bat in his hand. However, the superstar had yet another trick up his sleeve when he used a PitchCom device to call his own pitches on Thursday, instead of relying on the catcher.

Ohtani's decision to use the device was not directly impacted by the implementation of the new pitch clock, according to ESPN. The clock allows a pitcher just 15 seconds to begin their throwing motion.

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Shohei Ohtani, #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, walks onto the field before their opening day game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on March 30, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The device was placed underneath Ohtani's jersey near his shoulder during the game. Angels manager Phil Nevin believes the tool can help Ohtani get through his pitching repertoire quicker.

"Shohei's got so many pitches he can throw. So for him to go through 'em and shake and shake and shake -- time's running out because that thing doesn't say it quick enough sometimes," Nevin said before the season opener against the Oakland Athletics. 

Ohtani is not the only member of the Angels pitching staff to employ the device. However, other pitchers, such as Angels reliever Ryan Tepera, place the device on their non-throwing arm which allows them to see the numbers as they type.

Shohei Ohtani, #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, warms up prior to the