Paul Skenes Calls Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Best Hitter He’s Ever Faced

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani received high praise from one of the best young aces in the game — Paul Skenes.

Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, appeared in the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday as a rookie, where he teamed up with Ohtani on the National League.

Skenes called sharing a dugout with Ohtani ‘surreal,’ and even said he’s perhaps the best hitter that he has faced in his young career. “I don’t know of any hitters I’ve faced that’s better than him in my career,” Skenes said, via USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

In one of the most exciting matchups of the 2024 MLB season, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie ace Paul Skenes and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani faced off on June 5. Two of the biggest faces of MLB went head-to-head on three at-bats. Skenes got the best of Ohtani during the first at-bat, striking him out on three 100mph fastballs. Ohtani rebounded the next at-bat with a two-run home run that gave the Dodgers their first runs of the day.

On Tuesday, Skenes got to see Ohtani hit another home run — this time against the American League’s Tanner Houck.

“It was really cool to watch him do that,’’ Skenes said. “Really cool to watch him go about his business and get to meet him and all that.

Skenes and Ohtani should be expected to become teammates annually at the All-Star Game for many years to come as two of the top players in the game. Before next July though, they could face off again when the Pirates take on the Dodgers next month from Aug. 9-11.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

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