(Detroit) Shohei Ohtani will stay with the Los Angeles Angels, at least for the rest of the campaign.

The Angels have indicated that they have chosen to retain the services of the Japanese star player, the day after a major transaction which suggests that they will go all out this season.

“We’ll roll the dice and see what happens,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian told reporters in Detroit ahead of the start of a doubleheader on Thursday, just days before the baseball trade deadline. major.

Ohtani will become a free agent this winter. Although the California franchise may lose the 29-year-old power hitter and starting pitcher to the free agent market — rumors suggest he could command a salary of $500 million to $600 million — it wants to participate in the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.

“I love Shohei Ohtani,” Minasian said. He shows up here, prepares, works tirelessly, jumps into the field and performs every night. He does everything (throwing and hitting). He’s a very good teammate. He takes his role very seriously. He loves it. He lives for it.

“He’s the kind of player we would like to have with us for many more years,” he added.

The 2021 American League MVP leads the Major Leagues in home runs and OPS, and is among the leaders in strikeouts and collective batting average in the opponent when he is on the mound.

“He’s doing the unthinkable,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. We are up against a one-of-a-kind player. »

Ohtani was scheduled to pitch the first game of the doubleheader in Detroit, and he is expected to meet with reporters after his departure.

The Angels, hoping to boost their chances of making the playoffs for the first time since 2014, acquired right-handed pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.

The California franchise is desperately trying to shed its label of sabotaging talent, such as MVPs Mike Trout and Ohtani. Club owner Arte Moreno has the longest active streak of losing seasons (seven) and the longest streak of consecutive seasons without making the playoffs (eight, tied with the Tigers).

But as long as they have Ohtani in their ranks, the Angels can hope to put an end to these shortages.

“I never went to Shohei and said, ‘Hey, we’re not going to trade you,'” Minasian said. I thought I was pretty clear the last time I met you; it’s not going anywhere. I don’t know if you believed me. »