As a disappointing season winds down for the Los Angeles Angels, the club’s season could end on a bright note in the coming weeks.
Two-way player Shohei Ohtani, who has been working his way back from a sprained UCL in his pitching elbow, could face hitters in his next workout. It’s another step forward for the young hurler as he tries to return this season from the injury.
Shohei Ohtani threw 20 fastballs during his light bullpen session today. Mike Scioscia said he will likely progress to facing hitters in his next workout in Arizona.
— Maria I. Guardado (@mi_guardado) August 18, 2018
Angels’ skipper Mike Scioscia told reporters on Friday that Ohtani cleared the next stage of his recovery process by throwing 20 fastballs during a light bullpen session. Now the 24-year-old could advance to the next stage of pitching.
It would mark an important move forward for Ohtani and one that could allow him to return to the mound at the end of the season in September. Even if he is unable to return this season, this is a very positive update on Ohtani given the difficulties of coming back from the injury without Tommy John surgery.