Shohei Ohtani Won't Be Ready For Opening Day
6 years agoWhile Los Angeles Angels designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani's (elbow) checkup with Dr. Neal ElAttrache went well, general manager Billy Eppler said the star two-way player won't be ready for Opening Day. Ohtani has been cleared for "full strengthening" rehab but has yet to swing a bat. Dry swings will be his next step. Ohtani's fantasy value will inevitably drop because of this news, and he won't pitch at all in 2019 after having Tommy John surgery. He's more valuable as a pitcher, but don't overlook the fact that he hit .285/.361/.564 with 22 home runs, 61 RBI and 10 steals in just 326 at-bats as a part-time DH in his rookie season. The Japanese phenom is still worth stashing in the late middle rounds, although the uncertainty of his availability and the fact that he's limited to DH will hurt him in 2019.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger