Scioscia: Ohtani to pitch on 6 days rest

The Los Angeles Angels will approach Shohei Ohtani's workload with caution as their prized possession adapts to life as a two-way MLB player.

Ohtani, who pitched exceptionally well in his debut April 1, is expected to get six days rest between starts, manager Mike Scioscia said Friday.

"We're going to be very diligent in checking in with our medical department to see what (Ohtani's) availability will be on a day-to-day basis, and to make sure that he has the best chance to contribute with the bat and on the mound," he told Avery Yang of MLB.com.

The Angels' caution is understandable considering the blows already dealt to the starting rotation. Andrew Heaney (elbow inflammation) and Matt Shoemaker (forearm) are on the disabled list, but both are tentatively scheduled to return in late April. When they do, the plan is for the Angels to deploy a six-man rotation, providing their injury-prone starters with added rest, while granting Ohtani an extra day off. Until then, the Angels will continue to rely on a normal a five-man rotation, but still starting Ohtani every six days.

As for when he'll appear in the lineup, Ohtani is expected to DH for two or three games between starts.

"I think he knows what he's doing out there, he knows what he needs to prepare for a season," Scioscia said.

Ohtani's next start is Sunday against the Oakland A's.