Ohtani thrilled about future with Trout

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Trout’s record extension that he agreed to with the Angels on Tuesday became official Wednesday, and teammate Shohei Ohtani said he couldn’t be happier for Trout after he agreed to a 12-year extension worth a reported $426.5 million.

Trout was held out of Cactus League action on both Tuesday and Wednesday, but did play in a Minor League intrasquad game, going 3-for-6 with a walk and a homer while serving as leadoff hitter every inning and not playing the field. Trout is scheduled to meet with the media Sunday now that the deal is official, but Ohtani said he talked to Trout and was thrilled to hear he’ll be with the Angels through the 2030 season.

“I’m just simply really happy and excited to play with such a great player for such a long time,” Ohtani said through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “If anybody deserves that contract, it’s Mike. He truly deserves it.”

Ohtani, who remains under team control through the 2023 season, said Trout played a role in why he signed with the Angels before last season, especially after getting to know Trout during his meetings with the Angels.

“I didn’t know what kind of a person he was; all I’d seen was him playing on baseball fields,” Ohtani said. “But I had a chance to talk to him during my meeting and in that conversation, he seemed like a really genuinely nice guy. That impression hasn’t changed.”

Ohtani has been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and progressed to taking batting practice in the cages Sunday. He’s also been throwing three times a week and said everything has been going well. He threw 70 times from up to 50 feet Wednesday, while also taking 10 swings in both batting practice and soft toss. He remains on track to return as a designated hitter in May.

“Body-wise, everything feels good,” Ohtani said. “But there are some things I still need to polish. It’s getting there.”

Ohtani has stayed busy with his rehab, but said he stayed up late to watch Opening Day in Japan with the Mariners beating the A’s, 9-7, in a game that started at 2:30 a.m. PT. He said he idolized Ichiro Suzuki growing up and didn’t want to miss seeing him play in the game.

“It was a lot of excitement,” Ohtani said. “It was a really cool atmosphere. I actually wish I was there to watch the game. More than just being a fan, [Ichiro] was somebody every kid looked up to. He’s a really iconic figure.”

Cowart clears waivers

Two-way player Kaleb Cowart cleared waivers and was sent to Minor League camp Wednesday. The Angels were hopeful to keep him in the organization after claiming him from the Tigers earlier this spring. Cowart didn't pitch in a Cactus League game this spring, but hit .222 with a homer and five RBIs in four games as a hitter. He'll be used as a reliever and third baseman at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Hunter visits camp

Former Angels center fielder Torii Hunter visited camp Wednesday and caught up with Trout during a Minor League game on a lower field. Hunter’s son, Torii Hunter Jr., is in the organization and the elder Hunter came to visit him after spending four weeks at Twins camp in Florida, as Hunter is a special advisor for Minnesota. Hunter Jr., 23, has hit .133 with a double and two RBIs in 11 games this spring and is expected to open the year at Class A Advanced Inland Empire.

Heaney progressing

Left-hander Andrew Heaney has continued his throwing program after sustaining left elbow inflammation that will cause him to open the season on the injured list. Manager Brad Ausmus said he’s optimistic Heaney won’t miss much time early in the season.

“He’s moving along well,” Ausmus said. “I'm comfortable he will be back in short order. But it's an impact, even losing him for a few weeks."

Up next

The Angels will have a bullpen game Thursday when they travel to play the D-backs at Salt River Fields at 1:10 p.m. PT. Right-hander Ty Buttrey will start for the Angels. Trout could also return to the lineup for the first time since agreeing to his record extension. Third baseman Zack Cozart is also expected to play after getting a day off Wednesday.