ARLINGTON -- One day after showing an abrupt drop in velocity during his first pitching appearance in nearly three months, Shohei Ohtani reaffirmed his confidence in the health of his prized right elbow.
"It is sore because I threw obviously yesterday in a real-game situation," Ohtani said through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. "But it's nothing out of the norm."
Ohtani gave up two runs over 2 1/3 innings against the Astros on Sunday, but his fastball velocity dipped from 96-97 mph in the first inning to 91-92 mph in the third, sowing concern that the two-way phenom wasn't past the Grade 2 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament that had kept him off the mound since June 6.
The Angels said afterward that Ohtani was dealing with some back stiffness and a sore finger after attempting to barehand a comebacker, leading to the dip in velocity. Manager Mike Scioscia said Monday that Ohtani did not require any additional tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, for the ailments.
"Naturally, a red flag goes up, especially with what happened last time," Scioscia said. "But Shohei said he felt great. He had no apprehension about what was happening in his elbow. His delivery was a little out of whack. He wanted to make sure he could get the ball into decent zones, so he wasn't really jumping on it."
Ohtani said his back and finger both feel fine and that he'll "hopefully" be able to make his next scheduled start on the mound on Sunday against the White Sox. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday, which will give him an opportunity to once again test his elbow.
Ohtani is also considered day to day as a hitter, though he said he believes he could pinch-hit against the Rangers on Monday if needed. The Angels have stayed away from using Ohtani as a hitter on the days before and after his starts, so he likely won't be available to hit until Tuesday at the earliest.
Monday's transactions
The Angels announced Monday that they've claimed right-hander Luke Farrell off waivers from the Cubs and optioned him to Rookie-level Orem. Farrell, the son of former Red Sox manager John Farrell, posted a 5.17 ERA over 31 1/3 innings with the Cubs this season. Right-hander Osmer Morales was designated for assignment to create a vacancy on the 40-man roster for the 27-year-old Farrell.
Jose Pujols (knee surgery) was also transferred to the 60-day disabled list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Matthew Shoemaker, who was activated on Monday and started against the Rangers.
Injury updates
• Justin Upton was out of the Angels' lineup for the second consecutive day with a concussion, though Scioscia said he is feeling better.
• Left-hander Tyler Skaggs (left adductor strain) is slated to throw a bullpen session at the club's training complex in Arizona for the first time since landing on the disabled list on Aug. 12.
• Right-hander Nick Tropeano (shoulder inflammation) has not yet been cleared to throw off the mound and is still in a throwing progression.