Angels’ Ohtani could return to play tonight
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani could be activated off the injured list and make his 2019 debut tonight in Detroit, general manager Billy Eppler said Monday.
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year has been recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Ohtani has recorded more than 50 plate appearances in simulated games in Arizona.
He hit 22 home runs with 61 RBIs last season, in a year when he also made 10 starts on the mound, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA.
The 24-year-old had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Oct. 1. He is not expected to pitch this season. DARLING HAS THYROID CANCER >> Former New York Mets pitcher and current broadcaster Ron Darling said that he has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Darling, 58, hopes to return to his broadcasting duties in approximately a month.
“After the removal of the mass on my chest along with further tests, I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” Darling said in a statement. “My doctors have said they are optimistic that the cancer is treatable and that I would be back on air talking baseball in the next month or so.”
Darling underwent surgery last month to remove a lump from his chest.
He has been part of SNY’s telecasts of the Mets since 2006. Darling also is part of TBS’ postseason broadcasts and serves as an analyst for the MLB Network.
SOX’S PRICE ON SHELF >> The Boston Red Sox placed veteran left-hander David Price on the 10-day injured list with left elbow tendinitis.
Price, 33, allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox in his last appearance on Thursday.
The five-time All-Star and 2012 Cy Young Award winner is 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA in six starts this season. He has struck out 42 and walked 10 in 36 innings.
DODGERS’ BELLINGER BACK IN LINEUP >> Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers returned to the starting lineup against the Atlanta Braves after missing two starts due to a shoulder injury.
The red-hot Bellinger sustained a separated right shoulder during the Dodgers’ Friday road game against the San Diego Padres. He sat out Saturday and was limited to a pinch-hitting appearance on Sunday.
Bellinger, primarily the Dodgers’ right fielder, got hurt while playing first base.
He told reporters on Saturday that the shoulder “popped out” and immediately popped back in as he dived for a ball.
The 23-year-old Bellinger has been one of the best players in the majors over the early stages of this season.
Bellinger entered Monday as the major league leader in batting average (.412), on-base percentage (.486), slugging percentage (.840), RBIs (38), hits (49) and runs scored (32). His 14 homers were second in the majors behind Milwaukee star Christian Yelich’s 15.
BRAVES’ GAUSMAN SUSPENDED >> Atlanta Braves right-hander Kevin Gausman received a fivegame suspension for intentionally throwing a pitch at Marlins right-hander Jose Urena on Friday night in Miami.
Major League Baseball chief baseball officer Joe Torre announced the punishment, which also includes an undisclosed fine.
The incident occurred in Urena’s first plate appearance in the bottom of the second inning, an apparent payback for Urena plunking Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. on Aug. 15 last season.
Gausman’s 97 mph fastball sailed behind Urena, but he was immediately ejected by home plate umpire Jeff Nelson.
The suspension was set to begin Monday when the Braves open a series against the Dodgers, but Gausman has filed an appeal.