Angels' Shohei Ohtani faces live pitching, nears return

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has faced live pitching to begin the probable final step in the Los Angeles Angels slugger's return from Tommy John surgery.

Ohtani made four plate appearances Wednesday in a simulated game at Angel Stadium, several hours before the Angels faced the Yankees.

The AL Rookie of the Year drew two walks and hit a line drive into the gap.

Ohtani is expected to face about a week of live pitching before he returns to the Angels' lineup. He isn't expected to have a minor league assignment.

The Angels have long projected that Ohtani would return as their designated hitter in early May.

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Ohtani had Tommy John surgery Oct. 1. He won't pitch again until 2020.

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