Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who reconstructed the ulnar collateral ligament in Ohtani’s right elbow, on Monday determined that Ohtani has healed well enough from his offseason surgery that hitting against pitchers throwing full-force would not jeopardize his progress. The Angels expect him to step in the box against pitchers in no fewer than seven days.
“All is good,” manager Brad Ausmus said at Globe Life Park. “Everything came back good. The doctor was pleased and he’s going to continue his progression. If all goes well, next week he’ll see live pitchers. As to where that happens, that’s still to be determined.