Shohei Ohtani will resume his two-way career with the Los Angeles Angels this season.
Angels General Manager Billy Eppler confirmed that Ohtani will return to pitching after serving only as a designated hitter in 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Ohtani batted .286 last season with 18 homers, 62 RBI and an .848 OPS in 106 games. His production at the plate was nearly identical to his work in 2018, when he was the AL Rookie of the Year while making 10 starts on the mound.
"We're expecting him to be on the mound and stay on the mound and roll through spring training," Eppler said.
Eppler also said he'd tried to give simple advice to the Angels about how to stay safe during training camp.
"Think of the clubhouse as more of a closet," he said he told them. "It's where clothes hang. Absent of anything you need to do in the training room or weight room, get outside."
Tigers sign top overall pick
• No. 1 overall draft pick Spencer Torkelson and Detroit agreed to a minor league contract, and the team said the infielder will join its player pool for the abbreviated season. Torkelson's deal includes $8,418,800, of which $8,416,300 is a signing bonus. Undrafted out of high school, Torkelson hit 54 home runs at Arizona State as a first baseman. The Tigers intend to try him at third base.
• Baseball's minor leagues officially canceled their seasons. It was expected because Major League Baseball decided not to provide players to its affiliated teams during the pandemic.
