Scioscia: Angels may allow Ohtani to bat day after pitching

The plan of attack for the Los Angeles Angels in their deployment of Shohei Ohtani has been regimented in the early going of 2018. They've scheduled his starts on the mound roughly a week apart, and haven't slotted him into the lineup as the designated hitter in the days immediately before or after pitching.

While manager Mike Scioscia says the plan is for Ohtani to continue receiving a maintenance day after starting, he hinted that the routine could change.

"I think flexibility is the key," Scioscia told ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. "There might be some days where he might bounce back and hit right after he pitches, so we'll see."

Related: Shohei Ohtani is the unicorn we all hoped he would be

There's a good reason why the Angels may be rethinking their strategy. Despite only making 33 plate appearances, Ohtani's tied for second on the team with 11 RBIs and third with three home runs. He's hitting an absurd .367/.424/.767, and has been one of baseball's most dangerous bats.

And that's not even considering how lights out he's been on the mound. The team has only lost once when he's played.