Shohei Ohtani will resume pitching activities.
The Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom was placed on the disabled list June 8 with a Grade 2 sprain in his ulnar collateral ligament. While many feared he’d need Tommy John surgery, the 24-year-old was activated July 4, but only was used as a hitter for the remainder of the first half of the season. It was presumed that he only would be used as a designated hitter for the rest of the year.
But the Angels announced Thursday that after a visit with his doctor showed more improvement in the damaged ligament, the star is cleared to start throwing again.
MEDICAL UPDATE on Shohei Ohtani: pic.twitter.com/mHQPcVzYNH
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 19, 2018
Before landing on the DL, Ohtani was 4-1 for Los Angeles with a 3.10 ERA and 61 strikeouts. While there’s no word on when he will begin his throwing program or if the team will continue to use him as a pitcher, it’s certainly a step in the right direction for the team and player.
