The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Angels preparing for Ohtani mania
Japanese two-way star passes physical, reports to camp.
Shohei Ohtani came onto the field with a bat in his hand after taking some swings in the cage, on his way to throw some long toss with his full-time interpreter.
That was after the twoway standout from Japan had already taken a physical and unloaded some gear into his locker in the Los Angeles Angels clubhouse.
While Ohtani had already been working out at the team’s in Tempe, Ariz., complex for a week, Tuesday was the reporting day for Angels pitchers and catchers. The main attraction was Ohtani, who is already busy in his first major league spring training.
“Shohei is going to have a little longer day than most of our pitchers,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “But it shouldn’t be anything that he hasn’t done before, and he’ll be ready to go.”
Ohtani, 23, may be used to such a routine after five seasons playing professionally in Japan, but things are already much different for the Angels at spring training.
Scioscia conducted his camp-opening media availability by speaking into a microphone alongside another interpreter recently hired by the team as reporters — including about 70 from Japan — sat in several rows of two sections of stands down the right-field line at Diablo Stadium.
That crowd is expected to be much larger today, when Ohtani is scheduled to talk after the team’s first official workout.
Athletics: Catcher Bruce Maxwell says he no longer will kneel for the national anthem as he did last season as a rookie, when he became the first major leaguer to follow the lead of NFL players.
Yankees: Hall of Famer Rich Gossage was not invited to return as a guest instructor at spring training. He drew the ire from team officials in the past for his public comments on a number of baseball issues.
Orioles: Baltimore avoided an arbitration hearing with pitcher Kevin Gausman, agreeing to a $5.6 million, one-year contract.
Rays: Free-agent reliever Sergio Romo finalized a $2.5 million, one-year deal to remain with the team.
Padres: Reliever Jose Torres was placed on the restricted list and won’t report for spring training in Arizona because of a pending court case stemming from his arrest in Phoenix in December. Torres pleaded not guilty to felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous incident and misdemeanor recklessly defacing or damaging property of another person.
Dodgers: A sign that veteran infielder Chase Utley, 39, is close to signing a contract was evident in the clubhouse Tuesday. His gloves, cleats and mail addressed to him were in a dressing stall. “We’re hopeful,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Chase is great.”
■ Roberts also said ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw will make his team-record eighth opening-day start, against the visiting Giants on March 29.
Red Sox: David Price said he’d rather stay in Boston to chase a title than opt out of his contract at the end of the season. The former Cy Young Award winner spoke to the media at the team’s spring training home in Fort Myers, Fla. “I expect to win here and that’s what I came here for,” said Price, who was 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA last season and was relegated to bullpen duty in the postseason. The left-hander signed a seven-year, $217 million deal with Boston in 2016.