OC Register: Angels’ Shohei Ohtani scratched from scheduled start Tuesday

[AngelsWin.com]

ANAHEIM — Mike Scioscia learned a new Japanese phrase on Sunday.

Hyōka suru.

The phrase, which translates as “to evaluate,” came up frequently as Scioscia was describing the Angels’ current position with regard to Shohei Ohtani, whose immediate future remains in flux because of a mild left ankle sprain.

About all that’s certain is that Ohtani will not start on Tuesday, as previously scheduled. Scioscia said the Angels “don’t feel” Ohtani would go on the disabled list. Everything else, such as when he will start and when he’ll hit, is all uncertain.

“We’re going to evaluate it,” Scioscia said. “Let’s see exactly where he is and what his needs and then we’ll make a determination when he’s going to get back out there.”

Ohtani had said after Saturday’s game that he was optimistic about taking his normal turn, but he understood the Angels would want to be cautious with him and it wouldn’t be his decision.

Scioscia reiterated on Sunday that they are going to take it slow.

“There’s a lot of season left and we want these guys for the whole year,” Scioscia said. “When you’re banged up at this point in the year, you want guys to get over it and be as close to 100 percent as they can be.”

Ohtani sprained his ankle when he hit first base awkwardly in the fifth inning on Friday, because Neil Walker — a converted second baseman playing first — had his foot in the center of the bag.

Since then, Ohtani had not started as the DH. He also didn’t throw the bullpen session on Sunday that he would have needed to throw in order to be ready to pitch on Tuesday.

He instead played some light catch and then went down to the bullpen and went through some pitching motions, with one toss of a ball into a net.

Nick Tropeano is expected to take Ohtani’s place on Tuesday. Andrew Heaney could pitch Wednesday. Both Tropeano and Heaney threw bullpen sessions on Sunday. If Ohtani still can’t pitch on Thursday, Garrett Richards could start. Tyler Skaggs would be available on Friday in Seattle. If Ohtani still isn’t ready to start by Saturday, the Angels would need to add a starter.

ALSO

Andrelton Simmons was in the lineup as the designated hitter on Sunday, a nod to his continued tightness of his forearm after he was hit by a pitch a week ago. Scioscia said the Angels are expecting Simmons to be back at shortstop on Tuesday…

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A day after he gave up nine runs (five earned) in 1-2/3 innings, Richards said there is nothing physically wrong. “Just kind of move on to the next one,” he said. “Obviously not a great game all around.”…

The heavy workload the bullpen absorbed on Saturday resulted in Eduardo Paredes getting optioned to Triple-A to make room for a fresh pitcher. Akeel Morris was recalled from Triple-A for his second stint this season…

Angels pitchers have begun taking batting practice in preparation for the two-game series at Coors Field May 8-9.

UP NEXT

Angels (Nick Tropeano, 1-2, 4.67) vs. Orioles (Alex Cobb, 0-3, 13.11), Tuesday, 7 p.m., Fox Sports West, 7 p.m.

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