Former Angels outfielder Justin Upton picks Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge as his top trio to score a run (Photo Source: IMAGN)
MLB fans have been treated to another sensational season for New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. The American League MVP award frontrunner has become a must-watch television not only for fans but also for Judge’s colleagues. One such player is former All-Star outfielder Justin Upton, who believes that the Yankees superstar is one of the most clutch hitters in baseball.
On the latest episode of The 6-1-1 Podcast with Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, Upton was asked about the top 3 active players he would turn to if he needed a run in the bottom of the 9th inning. Upton picked Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto to help his team bring in the run.
“I’m leading off with Ohtani. He’s fast and he can end the game with one swing,” Upton said of the Los Angeles Dodgers star. [2:02]
Ohtani has proven time and time again that he is one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. The National League MVP Award favorite’s aggressiveness at the plate can lead to strikeouts. However, this is something that Upton has taken into account when building his dream lineup.
“He’s the lynchpin to the whole thing because he protects Ohtani. He’s very patient, but he can beat you on anything,” Upton said of Judge’s placement second in the order. [4:45]
Last but not least is Soto, who Upton believes is the most patient of the three batters he selected.
“Soto’s there because I know that it’s going to be a good at-bat, and when it comes to power, he’s a line-to-line guy,” the former Angels outfielder said of Soto’s role in his trio of stars.
Upton was also tasked with selecting pitchers to face Aaron Judge and the rest of his trio
In the second half of the question, Upton needed to provide which pitchers he would use to face Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto individually. To battle against Ohtani, Upton chose Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes because of his ability to attack hitters inside with the cutter.
For Judge, Upton’s decision took him a little more time, but he ultimately opted to go with Dodgers star Tyler Glasnow. The reason behind the selection is because of Glasnow’s height and his movement with the ball.
Finally, for Soto, Upton picked All-Star closer Josh Hader. Upton hopes that his high-velocity fastball and ability to hide the ball while pitching will give him the advantage over Soto.
