Shohei Ohtani continues to make good progress from a health standpoint, but the current situation could create some difficulties for the process as a whole.
On Sunday on MLB Network Radio, Los Angeles Angels GM Billy Eppler discussed the challenges that Ohtani may encounter with facing live hitters if stay-at-home orders remain in place over the coming weeks and months.
“I think as we get into May, [we’ll] probably have to figure out how to conduct a live BP [batting practice] if we’re still [under] shelter-at-home orders and things of that nature,” said Eppler. “We’ll see, but we’re gonna have to get creative somewhere down the line here if we’re still sheltering at home.”
Eppler did add though that Ohtani has been able to go to the team stadium for rehab purposes. He also noted that the 25-year-old has progressed to playing long toss as well as throwing roughly two bullpen sessions per week around 35 pitches each at 80-85 percent intensity.
Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery in Oct. 2018, had already been at full strength in his capacities as a designated hitter and was originally projected to return as a pitcher around mid-May.
The current layoff has had some positives too though for Ohtani, as he had more time to recover and progress at his own pace where possible. If the image of him that went viral over the winter is any indication, baseball fans should be very excited to see him if and when the 2020 season does begin.
