Angels general manager Billy Eppler said two-way player Shohei Ohtani will not be ready by Opening Day, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. Eppler added that Ohtani is making progress and has been cleared for full strengthening following his Tommy John surgery.
The 24-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery during the first week of the offseason after it was recommended in September when an MRI revealed new damage to his ulnar collateral ligament in his right pitching elbow.
Ohtani was sidelined from the mound as a starting pitcher towards the end of Los Angeles’ season but continued playing as a designated hitter through the end of 2018.