Angels activate Ohtani, will make season debut vs. Tigers on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Angels have activated Shohei Ohtani off the injured list and he will make his 2019 debut Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers as a hitter, the team announced.
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year will bat third in the Angels' lineup as the designated hitter, while Mike Trout will be in the two hole.
“Having him behind Mike, if Mike’s getting on base at the clip he gets on base, they’re going to have to hold a runner on first, and that will open up a lane over there as well,” said Angels general manager Billy Eppler, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. “You’re adding a middle-of-the-order bat, and when you can do that, it can help everybody throughout the lineup.”
The 24-year-old will be the team's regular DH this season while he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. The two-way star won't be able to pitch again until 2020.
Eppler said Ohtani's throwing rehab won't start to require him to miss hitting days until September or more likely October, according to Fletcher
For now, Ohtani is expected to play just about every day, regardless of whether the team is facing a right-hander or a left-hander, Fletcher adds.
In 104 games for Los Angeles in 2018, Ohtani slashed .285/.361/.564 with 22 home runs. His bat should be a welcome addition as this season's Angels are hitting a collective .240 - 21st in the league - with 44 homers (16th).
Los Angeles (15-19) enters Tuesday's action one game out of last place in the AL West.