ANAHEIM – English two-way star Shohei Ohtani threw a 30-ton bullpen session off the main heap at Angel Stadium on Saturday and will be re-evaluated on Sunday to determine when he will make his next start. English manager Joe Maddon said the outing could already take place on Tuesday against the Rangers at Angel Stadium.
Ohtani only started once this season and comes on April 4 against the White Sox because he was dealing with a blister on his right middle finger. But Ohtani held a light bullpen session of 10 pitches on Monday before throwing 23 pitches into a bullpen on Wednesday. His bullpen Saturday comes without the use of a bandage on his finger, which is a good sign for Ohtani, who was checked by head athletics coach Adam Nevela after he threw and got away with no problems.
“I heard it was really good,” Maddon said. ‘He came in to check his finger and Adam thought it looked really good. So we plan tomorrow. If he walks in and still feels rough, we make our plans at that point. ”
Ohtani, 26, was able to serve as a designated victim this season without any problems and started offensively well. He entered the game on Saturday with .333 / .370 / .706 with four homers, three doubles, two tries and 12 RBIs in 13 games.
The English were able to manage without throwing Ohtani, as they entered the season with a six-man rotation and made it work without having to call up any place-starter. But once Ohtani is healthy and ready to play, he will be a normal part of the six-man rotation going forward. He conceded three runs (one earned) on two shots over 4 2/3 innings with seven shots in his lone start this year.
Maddon said they plan to have a long relay behind Ohtani ready if he starts just in case he experiences setbacks with his bladder. But Maddon added that it is still too early to determine who it will still be, as he will monitor the workload of his replacements in the coming days.
Rendon improves but no target date to return
Third baseman Anthony Rendon (left groin) could return from the injured list against the Rangers on Wednesday, but has not yet progressed to baseball activities. It is still too early to know if he will be ready by Wednesday, although Maddon said Rendon has shown improvements.
“I saw him go through his work and he feels better and feels good,” Maddon said. ‘This is one of those things where Adam and the medical staff do not want a recurrence. But he’s doing well. He is very upbeat and very positive. At the beginning of the week we should have a better idea of the finish line by Monday or Tuesday. ‘
• Right-back Juan Lagares (left stripe) progressed to light run and was able to practice without any batting practice. He can also be reinstated on Wednesday.
• Catcher Max Stassi (left thumb tension) could not start catching again yet, but he threw to keep his arm active. He could return against Astros on Friday.
• Outfielder Dexter Fowler is expected to meet with dr. Neal ElAttrache is meeting for a consultation after undergoing a torn ACL in his left knee on April 9th. Fowler has not yet planned his surgery. He is expected to play again in six to nine months after the operation.
• Right-hander Félix Peña has almost completely recovered from his right buttock, but remains at the club’s alternative site in Tempe, Ariz. Maddon said he is not yet sure when Peña will be activated because he likes his current bullpen and is in no hurry to make any changes. However, Peña stays out of the options, so he needs to be activated if he is healthy and cannot be selected to the alternative site.