Shotime! Two-way star to pitch and hit again

Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani told manager Joe Maddon he’d like to be in the lineup against the Astros on Tuesday, which would mark his third time hitting for himself on the same day he pitches this season after previously never doing it in the Majors before this year.

Ohtani had been out of the lineup in his past two starts on the mound, as he was held out for precautionary reasons on Wednesday after being hit by a pitch on his right elbow three days prior and on April 26, because he was dealing with a blister on his right middle finger. But he told Maddon on Monday that he’d like to hit and pitch again on Tuesday, and he’s expected to be in his usual No. 2 spot in the order, with the club forgoing the designated hitter for the game.

"I've already spoken to him, and he wants to do it," Maddon said. "So we'll make some adjustments with that."

Maddon also explained how Ohtani has been able to manage his workload this season, as he’s been in the lineup for 32 of the club’s 34 games and will also be making his fifth start on the mound on Tuesday. He’s had a few minor injuries -- including dealing with two blisters on his right middle finger and his elbow soreness from the hit-by-pitch -- but Maddon has been impressed by Ohtani’s ability to get his work done to stay on the field.

“Whenever there's a pitching aspect component, that takes priority on the day,” Maddon said. “So if he's throwing a side piece or doing extra work or training [for pitching], it takes priority over whatever he does to be a position player. Nothing's really changed. We just had to fight the blister situation, but it seems like he may be through that."

Ohtani, 26, has posted a 2.41 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 19 walks in 18 2/3 innings this season as a pitcher, and he entered Monday batting .276/.326/.626 with 10 homers, nine doubles and 26 RBIs in 31 games. His 10 homers were tied for the Major League lead heading into Monday, and Maddon believes Ohtani has the talent to lead the Majors in homers this season.

“Of course, he can,” Maddon said. “I didn’t know what to expect. This was a plan we came up with in camp about his availability and his interpretation of that. Right now, he’s following through. But I do think as the season gets deeper, he could have some fatigue, and we might have to deal with that. But right now, he feels fresh.”

Rendon takes ground balls before Monday’s game

Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who has been out since May 3 with a left knee contusion, progressed to taking grounders on the field before Monday’s game. It was a big step for Rendon, who could return for the club’s series against the Red Sox that begins on Friday at Fenway Park.

“I think it’s a pivotal day for an assessment on when it’s going to happen,” Maddon said. “He’s optimistic and feeling good. I’ve had many conversations with him.”

Angels tidbits

• Shortstop José Iglesias (back) was held out of the lineup for a third straight game, and David Fletcher started in his place. He remains day to day and could return as early as Tuesday.

• Catcher Max Stassi (concussion) has been feeling better and spoke to Maddon before Monday’s game. But Maddon said it’s too early to know when Stassi will be cleared to return.

• Reliever Chris Rodriguez (right shoulder inflammation) has yet to begin his throwing program but has been receiving treatment and doing strengthening programs in the gym. Rodriguez was placed on the injured list on Thursday, and the Angels remain optimistic it’ll be a short stint on the IL.