The updates surrounding Shohei Ohtani continue to be largely positive, and the two-way superstar took another step in the right direction on Thursday.
Angels general manager Billy Eppler told reporters that Ohtani underwent an MRI this week that showed improvement, and the 23-year-old has been cleared to begin a hitting program. The plan is for Ohtani to serve as a designated hitter when he returns, and he is not expected to make rehab starts in the minor leagues.
BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani will begin a formal hitting progression immediately, based on improvement seen in MRI results today. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 28, 2018
Eppler said Ohtani will not play in minor league rehab games. He will get ready to hit in "private" settings, like simulated games. Since he's a DH, they don't need regular games, Eppler said.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) June 28, 2018
The Angels said earlier this week that Ohtani would have been cleared sooner, but they are hoping he is able to pitch again for them in 2018. It remains to be seen if he will be able to take the mound again this season, though the Angels continue to express optimism over his recovery.
