MESA, Ariz. -- Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is set to make his Cactus League debut at the plate Saturday as the designated hitter against the D-backs at Tempe Diablo Stadium, then will make his first start of the spring on the mound Monday at home against the Royals. Ohtani, though, was held out of the lineup in the Cactus League opener against the A’s on Friday.

Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP, threw his first live bullpen session on Wednesday, then faced live pitching on Thursday and Friday, facing a group that included right-hander Noah Syndergaard on Thursday and one that included lefty José Suarez on Friday. Ohtani was originally scheduled to start in a Minor League game on Monday, but the Angels decided they’ll start him in a Cactus League game.

Manager Joe Maddon watched Ohtani throw on Wednesday and hit on Thursday and was pleased with what he saw. Ohtani has said he feels even stronger than last year, as he’s not coming off any injury concerns. Maddon said he talked with Ohtani after Thursday’s workout to see how he’s feeling.

“I just wanted to know if he felt good about DHing tomorrow,” Maddon said. “He’s been great. Syndergaard threw the ball really well. And I loved the fact that he wanted to hit against him, too. And against Suarez, who is a great left-hander. But that’s Shohei. He just wants to get ready for the season.”

Fellow superstar Mike Trout will also be in the lineup on Saturday, as the Angels will use most of their regulars for their first home game of the spring. Other regulars expected to start include Jared Walsh, David Fletcher, Justin Upton and Max Stassi. But third baseman Anthony Rendon, who was a late arrival to camp for family reasons, won’t be in the lineup just yet.

“He's fine,” Maddon said. “He looks really good. It's just Anthony likes to pick it up slowly, and I'm good with that. That’s probably why he’s as good as he is.”

Lorenzen satisfied with spring debut
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen made his Angels spring debut against the A’s on Friday, retiring all six batters he faced on 22 pitches. He struck out two and said he was pleased with his fastball velocity, but his slider didn’t quite move the way he wanted it to with the lack of humidity in Arizona. But otherwise, the Anaheim native was happy with the way things went and believes he’ll be fully built up by the time the season starts.

“My family was here, and I got to pitch for my hometown team, so I had a lot of adrenaline going even though it was just a Spring Training [game],” Lorenzen said. “It just feels good to play for the hometown team and go out and have fun. It felt good. My fastball felt good, but my slider was a lot better this offseason.”

Lorenzen was helped by a two-run homer from former top outfield prospect Jo Adell in the first inning. Adell is competing for a spot on the roster as a corner outfielder along with fellow former top prospect Brandon Marsh and Taylor Ward.

“That's kind of how he ended last year,” Maddon said of Adell. “He's shorter to the ball and making better decisions. And he played a great game defensively in right.“

Mashore joins Major League staff
Damon Mashore, who previously served as the Angels’ Minor League hitting coordinator, is set to serve as their Major League outfield and baserunning coach. Mashore, 52, played in the Majors for three seasons with the A’s and Angels from 1996-98. He previously spent time in the Dodgers' organization as a hitting coordinator and an outfield/baserunning coordinator.

Fletcher to see time at shortstop this spring
The Angels have several utility options, including Andrew Velazquez, Tyler Wade, Luis Rengifo, Jack Mayfield and Matt Duffy, but they lack a true starting shortstop. So Maddon said they’ll get Fletcher plenty of work at short this spring, just in case they decide to move him from second base to make room for whoever wins the middle infield job. Velazquez was considered the favorite to start at short, but with the signing of Duffy on Wednesday, the Angels could opt to start Duffy at second and Fletcher at short.