Angels GM doesn't anticipate Ohtani playing outfield

Shohei Ohtani will receive at-bats in 2018, but don't expect to see him playing defensively when he's not on the mound.

"I don't anticipate him playing outfield this season," Angels general manager Billy Eppler told reporters Saturday while unveiling Ohtani, according to Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times.

Ohtani starred as a two-way player in Japan, though he hasn't appeared in the outfield since 2014. He's also coming off ankle surgery, so it's expected the Angels will want to monitor the wear and tear on his body closely.

The plan is to have Ohtani start for the Angels while allowing him to get some at-bats as a designated hitter on certain days when he's not scheduled to pitch. The club hasn't mapped out any innings limits, though Eppler said they are "open-minded" about using a six-man rotation during the season

Ohtani is heralded as one of the best international prospects to ever come to the majors, and Angels manager Mike Scioscia heaped heavy praise on the 23-year-old when talking about him during the induction ceremony.

"I don't think we've seen a pitcher of his caliber come into our organization for a long time," he said.