Yankees face megastar Shohei Ohtani ahead of trade deadline
DENVER — The Yankees’ scuffling offense won’t have to face Shohei Ohtani this week.
But their pitchers will have their hands full trying to contain the Angels’ two-way star at an intriguing time on the calendar — about two weeks away from the trade deadline, when Ohtani could become the prize of every team’s dream if the Angels actually decide to deal the pending free agent.
The reeling Angels, who lost for the 11th time in their last 13 games on Sunday — despite Ohtani hitting his 34th home run of the season — have left the door slightly open for trading Ohtani, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported last week.
There is a chance the Angels still could trade Shohei Ohtani before the deadline. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Like any other team who has a chance of contending this season, the Yankees would obviously love to add Ohtani if he ever became available, though it would take a haul to land him.
The Yankees tried to acquire Ohtani at the trade deadline last summer before the Angels ultimately decided to hang onto him, The Post previously reported.
For now, they will be focused on trying to keep Ohtani at bay during their three-game series at Angel Stadium that begins on Monday.
When the teams squared off in The Bronx in April, the Yankees held Ohtani to 1-for-10 with a home run and two walks.
In 20 career games against the Yankees, Ohtani has hit .186 with eight home runs and a .836 OPS.
The Yankees will miss Ohtani the pitcher, though, after he started on Friday and is lined up to pitch again on Thursday.
Jake Bauers (rotator cuff contusion) and Willie Calhoun (strained quad) are both getting close to starting rehab assignments, “probably some time early this week,” Boone said.
Greg Allen (hip flexor strain), meanwhile, continued his rehab assignment Sunday with Low-A Tampa.
He is expected to play more rehab games this week before being an option for the Yankees when they return home Friday.
Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow surgery) threw the equivalent of two innings in a bullpen session Sunday.
He is expected to advance to live batting practice sessions next before he could begin a rehab assignment in a week to 10 days.
Source: New York Post
