Angels’ two-way player among rookies to watch

The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and young outfielders Ronald Acuna of the Braves and Victor Robles of the Nationals are among the rookies to keep an eye on this season in the major leagues. Ohtani is trying to become the first player in nearly 100 years to play

Shohei Ohtani RHP/DH • L.A. Angels The 23-year-old is trying to become the first player in nearly 100 years to play regularly as a pitcher and hitter, but he had mixed results during spring training. He spent the previous five seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters, showing off a big fastball and a powerful bat. Ronald Acuna OF • Atlanta Braves The future is now for the crown jewel of Atlanta’s loaded farm system. The 20-yearold will begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett to push back his eligibility for arbitration. He hit .325 with 21 homers, 82 RBIs and 44 steals over three minor league stops last year. Victor Robles OF • Wash. Nationals Another athletic 20-year-old outfielder in the NL East, made his major league debut last September and got into two playoff games in the first round against the Cubs. Could get into the outfield mix if Adam Eaton falters in his return from a torn left knee ligament. Eloy Jimenez OF • Chi. White Sox Slowed this spring by left knee tendinitis, is widely regarded as baseball’s top hitting prospect. He was acquired in last summer’s Jose Quintana trade with the crosstown Cubs – destined to be a barroom debate in Chicago for years to come. Francisco Mejia C • Cleveland Indians The Indians love his bat so much they are trying the catcher in a couple of different spots to help carve out a place for him in the majors. He played third base in the Arizona Fall League and will begin this year with Triple-A Columbus so he can spend time in the outfield. Alex Reyes RHP • St.Louis Cardinals The 23-year-old could return in May after he hurt his elbow in spring training a year ago, leading to Tommy John surgery. Whether he works as a starter or reliever, he could provide a big lift after going 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA and 52 Ks in 46 innings in his first major league action in 2016. Gleyber Torres • Miguel Andujar INFs • New York Yankees There’s not a lot of room in New York’s infield after the Yankees traded for Brandon Drury and signed Neil Walker, but Torres and Andujar could help at some point this summer. Torres hit .309 in 23 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year before he was shelved by a season-ending elbow injury, and Andujar looked great this spring. Manager Aaron Boone believes they can be impact players for a long time.