Shohei Ohtani has been scheduled to start Tuesday’s game against the Rangers, the Angels announced today. The two-way star has pitched just once this season due to a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand, but he threw three bullpen sessions this week of increasing pitch volume, topping out at a 30-pitch bullpen on Saturday.
With no further issues in the wake of these sessions, Ohtani will look to build on an inconsistent first start that saw him allow one earned run over 4 1/3 innings against the White Sox on April 4, but with five walks and two hits allowed. While Ohtani has been kept off the mound, the blister hasn’t slowed down his red-hot bat, as Ohtani is hitting .333/.370/.706 with four home runs in 54 plate appearances.
More from both the AL West and NL West..
- It isn’t yet known if Buster Posey will require an injured list placement, as Giants manager Gabe Kapler said the catcher will be re-evaluated on Monday. Speaking to reporters (including Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle and The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly) before and after today’s game with the Marlins, Kapler said pre-game that there was some swelling in Posey’s left elbow, but during the post-game noted that the swelling had lessened. Posey left Saturday’s game in the seventh inning after being hit by a pitch, and x-rays were negative on the catcher’s elbow.
- The Rockies moved Chris Owings from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list earlier today, as Owings will have to undergo surgery on his left thumb. Manager Bud Black told The Athletic’s Nick Groke and other reporters that Owings will need at least eight weeks of recovery time. Owings’ injury was initially diagnosed as a left thumb sprain when he was first placed on the IL last week, but the veteran utilityman is now going to end up missing a big chunk of the 2021 campaign.
- After undergoing surgery last September to fix a stress fracture in his right shin, Mariners utilityman Shed Long continues to make some progress on the recovery trail. Manager Scott Servais updated reporters (including Jen Mueller of Root Sports) on Long, saying that he is still having difficulty making changes of direction on his shin and making stops when running, though Long is able to run and sprint without any problems. It isn’t yet known when Long might be ready to make his 2021 debut.
poor Owings he was having a solid year
Too bad too cause he already has 3 triples. Wouldve been cool to see if his bat continued to play and see if he led the lead in triples.
which would give him two steals titles.
*triples not steals
Actually he had a solid week.
Mariners could actually use Long right about now, but doesn’t seem like he’s actually close to returning to the big league roster. Lewis will be a nice addition to the offense tomorrow, and Kelenic will be as well when his time comes.
I’m not a huge Shed Long fan, but I think the Mariners have the most exciting young up-and-coming outfield in MLB. They already have a couple of established outfielders in Mitch Haniger and Kyle Lewis, another couple with solid potential in Taylor Trammell and Jake Fraley, and the obvious dynamic duo of Kelenic and Rodriguez coming soon. The Mariners should be fun to watch in a couple of seasons.
Definitely agree with you there there getting exciting in a hurry who knows what is in store
Totally agree. I’m having a great time watching the Mariners
I think we’re doing just fine without Long. France isn’t a placeholder at 2nd and hits much better than Long. As for the outfield when Trammell works out the kinks in the box he, Lewis, and Haniger make an exceptional outfield. Kelenic will come along in due time.. I don’t think there’s any need to rush him right now. As for Long I don’t see him as apart of this club beyond the trade deadline.
Long nay not even be playing by the deadline and he has zero value as-is.
He has options. He’ll likely stick around and get a chance to adress his GB issue in Tacoma and eventually serve as depth.
Kelenic has done nothing but rake in the minors. Time for him to come up. There isn’t a ton of room but he’ll push Trammel out of the lineup. If Haniger continues to hit even relatively close to how he has so far this season, he’s as good as gone in July unless we’re still in contention. Even then though, they may get an offer to good to refuse.
Forgot to mention Ohtani’s 7 strike outs.
Ohtani’s bat has been great but we need hm in the rotation first. Whether it is Tommy John or a blister, he can’t seem to stay healthy on the mound. Hopefully he can last more than one start this time.
Would love to see him stay healthy and just tear it up like when Ichiro arrived.
Tough luck for Owings. He was off to a great start this year both at bat and in the field. I hope he has a very good, quick recovery.
Six-walks ugly, but also seven Ks in four innings for Ohtani. He survived at least.