June 30, 2020 1:32 PM : Angels general manager Billy Eppler said Tuesday that Ohtani (elbow) has been cleared for mound work at the outset of summer camp and will be available as a two-way player for the start of the 2020 season, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Ohtani had already reached the finish line in his recovery from October 2018 Tommy John surgery when he resumed facing hitters in live batting practice in May, so Eppler's comments are merely confirmation that the 25-year-old will head to camp with no notable restrictions. Manager Joe Maddon has already said that he intends to keep Ohtani on a once-a-week pitching schedule as part of the Angels' expected six-man rotation, leaving Ohtani to serve as a designated hitter on the days when he's not on the mound. Ohtani has demonstrated elite ability both as a pitcher and hitter during his two years in the majors, posting a 127 ERA+ over 51.2 career innings and a 136 wRC+ over 792 career plate appearances.