TORONTO -- Dexter Fowler ’s lone at-bat against the lanky Japanese right-hander had been a battle, and it resulted in Fowler grounding out to second base.

Then a member of the Astros, playing in a five-game set against Japan’s national team as part of the 2014 Japan All-Star Series, Fowler had no reason to reflect on that at-bat until after the game, when members of the Japanese media started asking him questions about the pitcher he had faced.

“How was Ohtani?” someone asked.

“Who’s Ohtani?” Fowler responded.

They explained that Shohei Ohtani was the tall guy who had gotten him to ground out to second.

“Oh,” Fowler said. “Yeah, he’s got good stuff!”

When it was pointed out to Fowler that this Ohtani guy was an even better hitter than he was a pitcher, Fowler was instantly skepti

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