Los Angeles Angels: Shohei Ohtani getting closer to return

The Los Angeles Angels are getting closer to getting Shohei Ohtani back in their lineup.

The Los Angeles Angels lineup could certainly use some help. Aside from all world outfielder Mike Trout, only Brian Goodwin and Tommy La Stella have an OPS+ above league average. Goodwin had been a castoff from the Royals, and La Stella has not exactly been a power source over his career. The Angels need another player to step up, and soon.

One reinforcement is slowly getting closer to returning to the lineup. Shohei Ohtani is set to take batting practice with his teammates for the first time this season, as he inches ever closer to his return.

There is still a long way to go before Ohtani gets into a game. He is still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery that will keep him off the mound this season, and the Angels will understandably be cautious when it comes to his return. However, it is not unreasonable that the Angels get their power hitting designated hitter back by sometime in May.

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Whenever he comes back, it would not be a moment too soon for the Angels. In just 367 plate appearances, he posted a .285/.361/.564 batting line, hitting 21 doubles and 22 homers while even stealing ten bases. Los Angeles could certainly use that production over the rest of the season.

Ohtani’s return will also mean a time crunch coming up. Both Justin Bour and Albert Pujols are limited to either first base or DH. With Ohtani being the primary DH upon his return, there will not be enough at bats for both Bour and Pujols. Considering the amount still due on Pujols’ deal, Bour may be on limited time.

Obviously, a lot can change in the time it takes Ohtani to return. Bour could go on a hot streak. Injuries occur, especially as Pujols has not been a bastion of health in recent years. Ohtani could push too hard and have a setback. While his return would be a boost to the Angels lineup, the results are not set in stone.

Nonetheless, the Los Angeles Angels are getting closer to getting a key part of their lineup back, as Shohei Ohtani will take batting practice with the team for the first time on Friday.