Shohei Ohtani Could Be Everyday DH
6 years agoLos Angeles Angels manager Brad Ausmus said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) probably doesn't need to sit against left-handed pitchers going into next season. While Ohtani still will need to be cleared to regular serve as the DH in 2019, the expectation is that he'll be able to swing despite undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He hit a solid .285/.361/.564 with 22 home runs, 61 RBI, 59 runs and 10 steals in just 326 at-bats last year, so a full-time DH role would make him even more attractive next year as a hitter. However, he did go just 22-for-99 (.222) with only two of his 22 homers against southpaws in his rookie season.
Source: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
Source: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher