HEADLINE

Angels’ Ohtani cleared to face live pitching

Field Level Media

April 16, 2019 at 2:18 pm.

Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani was cleared to face live pitching, another step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Angels manager Brad Ausmus told reporters that Ohtani had a positive check-up Monday and will likely face pitchers in about a week. Ohtani has been hitting off a pitching machine.

“All is good,” Ausmus told reporters. “Everything came back good. The doctor was pleased and he’s going to continue his progression.”

The Angels have said they expect the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year to return in May.

Ausmus said the team has yet to decide where Ohtani will face live pitching. Ohtani continues to throw three times a week, though he will not pitch this season.

Ohtani hit 22 home runs with 61 RBIs last season, in a year when he also made 10 starts on the mound, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA.

The 24-year-old had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Oct. 1.