Shohei Ohtani, a two-way sensation for the Los Angeles Angels, had missed a total of two games before this past week. But Ohtani has been out for seven straight games due to the revelation of a partially torn UCL and an oblique strain. Since the beginning of 2019, when he missed the Angels’ first 34 games while recovering from Tommy John surgery, that is his longest run of games missed.

Ohtani’s agent had talked about the prospect of holding him out for the rest of the season so he could concentrate on his recuperation and impending free agency. Ohtani is a competitor, but skipping a full month would be uncharacteristic of him, especially when he is on the MVP trajectory.

However, according to Janis Carr of The O.C. Register, Angels manager Phil Nevin said that Ohtani’s absence may soon be coming to an end, with a potential comeback slated for Monday as the Angels travel to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Mariners.

Nevin reported that “he feels better today again.” “I am aware that he will later engage in some swinging. I’d guess probably today.

In response to a question about what “realistic” meant, Nevin stated, “There’s a fair probability that he feels good tomorrow and will play.

“He feels fairly well today,” she said. He hasn’t swung yet, but as I previously mentioned, he felt much better after doing so.

While Ohtani’s return on Monday is not being overstated by Nevin, it does appear conceivable that the Angels may start one of their two MVPs for the Mariners series.

Ohtani’s return at this stage is more for his own stats and to demonstrate to potential suitors that he can be a productive hitter even without pitching. But having a genuine superstar back in the lineup to finish the 2023 season is a wonderful lift for the Angels.

There are still a lot of discussions on Ohtani to be had. But for the time being, supporters can enjoy watching a talented player who might make a comeback.

Apparently open to dealing Trout, the Angels

This winter, the Angels might be in a position to completely restart their organization. It’s feasible that the franchise might be willing to trade away superstar Mike Trout if Ohtani were to sign with a different team in free agency.

There are many details to work out, but the Angels seem prepared to engage in those kinds of challenging conversations.