ANAHEIM (Neth.) – Angel’s two-way star Shohei Ohtani threw a 30-pitch bullpen session off the big mound at Angel Stadium on Saturday and will be re-evaluated on Sunday to determine when he will make his next start. Angels manager Joe Maddon said the outing could come against the Rangers at Angel Stadium on Tuesday.
Ohtani has only made one start this season, coming up against the White Sox on April 4, as he’s dealing with a blister on his right middle finger. But Ohtani threw a light 10-pitch bullpen session on Monday before throwing 23 pitches into a bullpen on Wednesday. His bullpen on Saturday came without the use of a bandage on his finger, which is a good sign for Ohtani, who was checked by lead athletics coach Adam Nevela after he threw and got away without a hitch.
“I heard it was very good,” said Maddon. “He came in to have his finger checked and Adam thought it looked really good. So we will make our plans tomorrow. If he comes in and still feels groovy, then we’ll make our plans at that point. “
Ohtani, 26, has been able to serve as designated hitter this season without any problems and is off to a great start. He entered .333 / .370 / .706 on Saturday with four homers, three doubles, two triples and 12 RBI’s in 13 games.
The Angels got through without Ohtani pitching, as they started the season with a six-man rotation and made it work without having to call up spot starters. But once Ohtani is healthy and ready to pitch, he will be a normal part of the six-man rotation. He gave up three runs (one earned) on two hits in 4 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts in his lone start this year.
Maddon said they plan to have a tall illuminator ready behind Ohtani when he starts, in case he faces setbacks with his blister. But Maddon added that it is too early to determine who that will be, as he will continue to monitor the workload of his relievers for the next few days.
Rendon is improving but no target date to return
Third baseman Anthony Rendon (left groin injury) is eligible to return from the injured list against the Rangers on Wednesday, but has yet to advance to baseball activities. It’s too early to know if he’ll be ready on Wednesday, although Maddon said Rendon has shown some improvements.
“I’ve seen him do his job and he feels better and feels good,” Maddon said. “It’s one of those things that Adam and the medical staff don’t want to repeat. But he is doing fine. He is very happy and very positive. At the start of the week, on Monday or Tuesday, we should have a much better idea of the finish line. “
• Right fielder Juan Lagares (trunk left calf) has developed into light running and has been able to practice stroke without problems. He will also be eligible for reassignment on Wednesday.
• Catcher Max Stassi (trunk left thumb) has not been able to start catching yet, but he has thrown to keep his arm active. He will be eligible to return against the Astros on Friday.
• Outfielder Dexter Fowler will meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a consultation after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee on April 9. Fowler has yet to plan his operation. He is expected to return to play within six to nine months of surgery.
• Right-handed reliever Félix Peña has almost fully recovered from his right hamstring strain, but remains at the club’s alternate location in Tempe, Ariz. Maddon said he’s still not sure when Peña will be triggered as he likes his current bullpen and isn’t rushing to make changes. However, Peña has no options so it must be activated when healthy and cannot be chosen for the alternate site.