Los Angeles Angels slugger Shohei Ohtani had a follow-up appointment Monday to check on his progress from Tommy John surgery and was cleared to hit live pitching in about a week.
"All is good," manager Brad Ausmus told reporters. "Everything came back good. The doctor was pleased and he's going to continue his progression."
Ohtani has been hitting off a pitching machine. The team has targeted May for his return.
The 24-year-old hit .285 with 22 homers and 61 RBIs and as a pitcher went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA in 51 2/3 innings to win Rookie of the Year last season.