Shohei Ohtani will not be ready for Angels’ Opening Day
Don’t expect to see Shohei Ohtani on the field when the Los Angeles Angels open up their season.
Angels GM Billy Eppler spoke with reporters on Thursday and provided an update on the team’s star two-way player. Ohtani is recovering from Tommy John surgery and underwent a checkup that apparently went well. Ohtani has been cleared for full strengthening rehab but has not yet begun swinging a bat.
#Angels GM Billy Eppler said Shohei Ohtani's check up with Dr. ElAttrache went well but he won't be ready for Opening Day. Cleared for "full strengthening" rehab but has yet to swing a bat. Dry swings is his next step.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) February 1, 2019
Ohtani is not expected to be able to pitch for the entire season, but there is thinking that he will be able to return as a batter at some point.
The Angels added Justin Bour to their DH/first base mix over the offseason and plan to have him platoon with Albert Pujols. Ohtani will figure into the mix when he is ready. Ohtani batted .285 with a .925 OPS last season and was the team’s best hitter behind Mike Trout.