Los Angeles Angels: Shohei Ohtani takes next step in return to mound
By David Hill
Shohei Ohtani will not pitch this season, but the Los Angeles Angels two way star is moving closer to his return to the mound.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery this past offseason, Shohei Ohtani has been limited to strictly a designated hitter role this season. His journey as the first true two way player in the majors in decades is expected to continue next year, when he may step in as the de facto ace of the Los Angeles Angels pitching staff.
Even though he will not be pitching this season, Ohtani is still progressing towards his return to the mound. On Saturday, he threw a bullpen session, where he estimated that he was approximately at the 80% point in his recovery from the procedure.
Obviously, Ohtani has a long way to go before he returns to a major league mound. He has not received clearance to throw any of his breaking pitches yet, and has not faced live batters. But he is building up his arm strength once again, getting through these bullpen sessions without pain.
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In the interim, Ohtani has become one of the better young hitters in the game. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year has produced a solid .285/.349/.505 batting line, hitting 15 homers and stealing nine bases. His presence in the lineup has afforded protection for Mike Trout, helping him to yet another MVP caliber season.
While Ohtani’s ability with the bat has been impressive, it is his work on the mound that captures the imagination. Before his injury last year, he had produced a 3.31 ERA and a 1.161 WHiP, striking out 63 batters with 22 walks in 51.2 innings. With his fastball approaching 100 MPH and an excellent slider, Ohtani flashed the potential to be a top of the rotation starter.
Naturally, the Angels are going to take their time with their prized two way player. He is one of their best building blocks for the future, a middle of the order bat that can also dominate on the mound. If the Angels are going to find their way back into postseason contention, Ohtani will be a major part of that return to glory.
Shohei Ohtani is slowly working his way back to the mound. Although he will not pitch for the Los Angeles Angels again until 2020, every pain free step is positive.