For the second straight season, Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani's season was cut short due to injury. But the good news for LA is Ohtani says his rehab is "coming along smoothly."
Ohtani spoke with the media Tuesday before the Angels' 3-2 win over the Athletics and said he believes he'll be ready for the start of the 2020 season.
"I feel like nothing is set for me,” Ohtani said through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (via MLB.com). “I still need to win a spot in spring training. But personally, I feel like I’ll be ready to go from Opening Day, just like last year."
The 25-year-old underwent a procedure Sept. 13 to address a congenital problem with a kneecap, effectively ending his season. Last year, Ohtani's rookie season was cut short as well after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September.
Being one of the few MLB players who pitches and hits, Ohtani says the rehab process in the wake of knee surgery should have little effect in getting back on the mound in the spring.
"I was told I'll have plenty of time to get this all right, including my throwing program," he said. "I just have to get the knee right first, which is not going to take too long, then I can start a throwing progression."
The 2018 American League Rookie of the Year served this season as the Angels' primary DH, where his slashed a .286/.343/.505 line to go along with 18 homers and 62 RBIs. Before his elbow surgery in 2018, Ohtani posted a 4-2 record as a pitcher with a 3.31 ERA, 63 strikeouts and 22 walks in 10 starts.