It was noted earlier in the week that two-way Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will be able to resume hitting against live pitching at some point here soon.
The reigning AL Rookie of the Year suffered a UCL injury last season and was forced to undergo Tommy John Surgery. While Ohtani won’t pitch this season, he’ll serve as the Angels’ designated hitter once the international sensation returns to the lineup.
That will be sooner rather than later. According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Ohtani won’t have to undergo a rehab assignment before returning to the big league club.
This is a clear indication that Ohtani should be able to return early next month. That will be a major boon for an Angels team that’s currently 8-8 and in last place in the American League West.
Ohtani, 24, put up a .281 average with 22 homers, 61 RBI and a .925 OPS as a rookie last season. He’ll ultimately slide right into the middle of the Angels’ lineup with Mike Trout, providing the game’s most dangerous hitter the protection he needs.