Shohei Ohtani scheduled to make first start since June
Shohei Ohtani is making his pitching return for the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani is scheduled to start during the Angels’ game against the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Ohtani last started on June 6 before experiencing elbow pain. He was diagnosed with a new UCL injury but just took time off to recover. He began a throwing program in July and then began throwing bullpen sessions this month, leading to him being cleared to pitch again.
The 24-year-old is 4-1 with a 3.10 ERA in nine starts this season. He’s been back in the lineup as a hitter since the beginning of July and has been particularly hot in August. Ohtani is batting .327 with a 1.122 OPS this month and has smacked six home runs.
Because he also serves as a hitter in the big league lineup, he is taking an unusual path back as he is not making any rehab starts in the minors.
