Los Angeles Angels expect Shohei Ohtani back in May

The Los Angeles Angels are continuing to be cautious with two way player Shohei Ohtani, as he is expected to return to a major league mound in the middle of May.

As Shohei Ohtani continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery in 2018, they have some positive news and some negative news. On the positive side, he will be able to hit from the start of the season, with Ohtani expected to be in the Los Angeles Angels lineup on Opening Day. However, on the negative side, he will not be taking the mound at that time.

While his return as a true two way player has been delayed, his path to return has been charted. The Angels, understandably being cautious, are expecting that he will return to a major league mound sometime in the middle of May.

Having Ohtani in the lineup from the start of the season will certainly be a boost to the offense. Over his two seasons in the majors, he has a .286/.351/.532 batting line, hitting 40 homers and 41 doubles while stealing 22 bases. Even with the Angels lineup having improved, Ohtani will be a valuable piece of the puzzle.

As important as he will be in the lineup, Ohtani is even more vital to the Angels pitching staff. Now that the trade that would have brought Ross Stripling to town has fallen through, he is expected to be the ace of the rotation. Given the Angels’ increased expectations, a lot of weight will be upon his shoulders.

Based on what he showed in his rookie campaign, Ohtani could be the ace the Angels need. In his 51.2 innings, he posted a solid 3.31 ERA and a 1.161 WHiP, striking out 63 batters while issuing 22 walks. Ohtani is also the starting pitcher to hit 101 MPH more than once in the last two seasons, which is even more impressive considering that he made just ten starts and had a balky elbow.

The Angels know that they have a special talent in Ohtani. Therefore, they are understandably being cautious with his arm as he returns to the mound. Yes, expectations are high this year, but Ohtani’s health, and long term potential, outweigh the risk of bringing him back too soon.

Shohei Ohtani will be back on the mound for the Los Angeles Angels in due time. Barring any setbacks or a change of heart, that return will come in the middle of May.