Shohei Ohtani’s return as a pitcher for the LA Angels will be short-lived. The team confirmed on Monday that Ohtani is dealing with forearms/elbow strain and won’t throw at least 4-6 weeks.
Given the Angels’ timeline and MLB’s short season in 2020, Ohtani is probably done with pitching this year. However, thanks to his dual ability, the 26-year-old Japanese will still be able to contribute as the designated hitter.
Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and only returned to the mound at the beginning of this season. However, his comeback was far from spectacular as he didn’t even go through the first inning in his first start in 2020. He lasted up to second innings in the start against Houston Astros and had to undergo an MRI after the match due to discomfort in his pitching arm.
At the bats, Ohtani is .148 in six games this season while hitting two home runs and seven RBIs.
Shohei Ohtani could pitch again this season in theory, but it is highly unlikely that the Angels will take that road. The organization has been patient with Ohtani so far, and they are expected to take a cautious approach in order to have him ready for 2021. Reportedly, the Angels also remain committed to Ohtani as a dual-threat and are not considering making him exclusively a hitter.
Since coming to MLB in 2018, Ohtani has been hitting .281 with 42 home runs and 130 RBIs. In his rookie season, he also pitched in 10 games, having 4-2 record with 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts.
