Shohei Ohtani has yet to play a game in the 2019 season, but judging by Friday’s batting practice, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star is almost there.
Ohtani had Tommy John surgery in October, and as he recovers and prepares to return to the roster as a designated hitter this season, he’s been working on his swing by himself, the Associated Press reported. But Friday, the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year took batting practice with his teammates for the first time since his surgery, and he didn’t disappoint, blasting several deep home runs.
Although Ohtani is not expected to pitch this season, the Angels think he’ll return at some point in May. More via the Associated Press about Friday’s batting practice:
“It was more about showing the front office and the medical staff that I am healthy and feeling strong and maybe [I can] make my return early,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.
He also said he’s feeling “pretty good,” but he won’t truly be able to judge his progress and recovery until he faces some live pitching, which could happen within a week but he’s not entirely sure.
