Los Angeles Angels designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is nearing a return to the mound, per manager Mickey Callaway.
Ohtani has been long tossing up to 180 feet and then shortening it to 60 feet "and really letting it go," Callaway said, adding that the two-way player should be back on the mound "soon." However, he likely won't be able to face live hitters until the COVID-19 situation progresses. The Angels originally expected Ohtani, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, to make his 2020 pitching debut in mid-May.
Ohtani recorded a 3.31 ERA with 63 strikeouts and 22 walks over 51 2/3 innings in 2018 in his first and only season pitching in the majors. The right-hander went 4-2 in 10 starts.
Source: Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register/Southern California Newspaper Group