ANAHEIM — One more day, the Angels continue to say, as Shohei Ohtani spent his fifth consecutive game out of the starting lineup Friday because of oblique tightness.
A possible return Friday was nixed, with Manager Phil Nevin saying it was the Cleveland Guardians’ personnel that influenced his decision to give his designated hitter yet another recovery day.
Ohtani was injured during a rare on-field batting practice session on Monday, and while there were positive reports on the seriousness of the injury, with suggestions along the way that his return could be imminent, nothing has materialized.
Seemingly on the fence about letting Ohtani return Friday, Nevin said the presence of Guardians left-hander Logan Allen seemed to sway his decision.
“Just going to give him another day with a tough lefty on the mound,” Nevin said. “Obviously he’s our best (hitter) either way. I just felt like if he feels good tomorrow, it would be the best day to get him back.”
That would mean a matchup against short-term teammate Lucas Giolito, who was acquired by the Angels at the trade deadline, was put on waivers just over a week ago and then was claimed by the Guardians. He is set to make his second start for Cleveland on Saturday.
While Ohtani did on-field work before Thursday’s game, he did not participate in any pregame activity on the field Friday.
“He’s not going to do anything to aggravate (the injury) and hopefully we get him (back) tomorrow,” Nevin said.
The favorite to win his second American League MVP award, Ohtani is slashing .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, eight triples, 26 doubles, 20 stolen bases, 95 RBIs and 102 runs scored in 135 games. He’s tied for the MLB lead with his 44 homers, which is three short of the franchise record set by Troy Glaus in 2000.
Ohtani, 29, has remained the club’s regular designated hitter even after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right throwing elbow on Aug. 23. A free agent at the end of the season, Ohtani won’t pitch again this season and is considering his options for his elbow.
RENGIFO IN WAIT MODE
The Angels did tests on Luis Rengifo’s biceps injury, which forced him out of Thursday’s game, and while there was no official diagnosis revealed, Nevin said the hot-hitting utility player was headed for a second opinion.
Rengifo, the reigning American League Player of the Week, was batting .446 with a 1.280 OPS, five home runs and 14 RBIs in 15 games before Thursday.
Nevin again said the prognosis “doesn’t look great,” but was hoping for better news. Rengifo was trying to remain positive.
“I feel better today and mostly it’s in my biceps,” Rengifo said. “(We have) more tests to do in the next couple of days and that’s it.”
The injury occurred while Rengifo was taking a practice swing in the on-deck circle Thursday.
“It’s hard. You want to be there to play with the guys and do your best,” Rengifo said while wearing a brace on his left elbow.
NOTES
Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who was placed on the injured list on July 14 because of a left shin contusion, did some light jogging work on the field but is running out of time to play again in 2023 with just three weeks remaining in the season. … Outfielder Mickey Moniak was out of the lineup for a second consecutive game after he was scratched Thursday with back tightness. The injury is not believed to be serious. … The Angels recalled outfielder Jordyn Adams from Triple-A Salt Lake and placed him in the starting lineup, batting seventh and playing right field. Adams made his major league debut on Aug. 2 and went 2 for 14 before he was sent back down. He replaced right-hander Davis Daniel on the roster. … Cam Fowler, Mason McTavish and Troy Terry were among a group of Ducks players who took batting practice before Friday’s game.
UP NEXT
Guardians (RHP Lucas Giolito, 7-12, 4.88 ERA) at Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 5-6, 5.55 ERA), Saturday, 6:07 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM