Shohei Ohtani has been cleared medically to begin work as a hitter, giving the Angels hope they’ll receive a boost soon to their slumping batting order.
Eppler also said Ohtani will do most of his work in a private and controlled setting as opposed to a more traditional minor league rehabilitation assignment. This will allow the Angels to better direct his recovery.
Ohtani received plasma-rich platelet and stem cell injections June 7. The latest test results suggest the more conservative approach to treatment is working.
Entering their game Thursday against Boston, the Angels (41-40) had lost five in a row and fallen into fourth place in the American League West.