Angels' Scioscia: Ohtani 'closer to getting on the mound'

Shohei Ohtani is progressing toward becoming a two-way player again.

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia said that Ohtani is "probably closer to getting on the mound than we thought last week," according to the Associated Press.

Ohtani, 24, hasn't pitched in a major-league game since June 6 when he threw four innings and was removed with a blister. After being examined further, it was revealed that the two-way phenom had a Grade 2 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow and would be unable to throw.

After a month-long stint on the disabled list, Ohtani was activated as a hitter. Since coming back on July 3, Ohtani owns a .244/.298/.513 slash line with five home runs and two stolen bases.

While acting as a hitter, Ohtani has continued to rehab toward pitching, and is currently throwing from 120 feet.