Ohtani has a `realistic chance' to return tonight versus Seattle
Correspondent
The promise of Shohei Ohtani being back in the lineup had gone on for nearly a week. The Angels were waiting on the two-way star to be able to swing the bat without pain, a streak that extended for seven games as he nursed a sore right oblique.
He was not in uniform again Sunday for the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, but that could end today when the Angels travel to Seattle for a threegame series against the Mariners. Manger Phil Nevin said there is a “realistic chance” of seeing Ohtani playing.
“He feels better today again,” Nevin said. “I know he’s going to take some swings later. I would say today probably.”
Pressed to define “realistic,” Nevin said, “There’s a good chance that he feels he’s good tomorrow and will play.
“Today’s the day where he feels pretty good. He hasn’t swung yet, but like I said, he felt a lot better doing that.”
Ohtani had been a constant in the lineup all season even after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm. He missed just two games earlier in the season.
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Joyce, Neto return
Right-hander Ben Joyce was back in the locker room, quietly preparing for Sunday’s game when Angels teammate Logan O’hoppe gave him a noisy welcome.
“Benny’s back!” O’hoppe shouted.
Joyce, along with Zack Neto, returned from rehab assignments before Sunday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians. And not only was he back in uniform, but Joyce was also back on the mound in Sunday’s 2-1 victory against Cleveland.
The Angels had placed Joyce on the 60-day injured list back in July with ulnar neuritis in his throwing arm and he was all too happy to rejoin his teammates.
“It’s tough anytime you are not able to play and have to be on the sidelines,” Joyce said. “It’s been a longer process than I would have liked, but it’s good to be back now and get through all the hurdles in the recovery process and be back with the team.
“Being back here is all I really wanted.”
Nevin said that he would take it slow with Joyce’s return, limiting his outings until he’s comfortable and doesn’t experience any lingering discomfort.
“We want to make sure he’s feeling right. We’re excited to see him back on the map here,” Nevin said.
Joyce was eager to get back to throwing in a big league game situation after spending time with the Single-a Inland Empire club, where he struck out one batter and gave up a hit this week in his first appearance in nearly three months. He also tossed a perfect inning.
“I feel good. I wouldn’t have said I was ready if I didn’t feel I could give it all I have,” Joyce said. “I feel 100% now. I think I will be able to continue the rest of the year and work in the offseason.”
In corresponding moves, outfielder Trey Cabbage and left-hander Kolton Ingram were optioned to Triple-a Salt Lake following Saturday’s game.
Phillps gets his shot
Center fielder Brett Phillips had been waiting for this moment all season, to parade through the dugout with the kabuto on his head. The samurai warrior helmet is worn by players who hit home runs.
He finally got his chance when he blasted his first home run of the season in Saturday’s 6-2 victory, a solo shot over the right-field wall for his first homer since July 17, 2022.
What was the experience like?
“It was heavy. Real heavy, (but) it felt good,” Phillips said of the kabuto.
Phillips said what felt even better was contributing to the victory.
“It was encouraging with the way this year has gone,” said Phillips, who spent 66 games for Triple-a Salt Lake City. “Now, I’m just taking advantage of an opportunity down the stretch here. Any chance you get to help contribute to a big league win it’s always good.”