Shohei Ohtani took part in pregame batting practice on Friday with his Los Angeles Angels teammates for the first time since his October elbow surgery.

The Japanese two-way player, the American League's 2018 rookie of the year, had Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, and is not slated to resume pitching until next season. However, the Angels have targeted a May return to the lineup for Ohtani as a designated hitter.

"I'm moving in the right direction little by little," Ohtani said after taking 33 swings at Angel Stadium and hitting nine balls over the outfield wall.

Angels manager Brad Ausmus said he wants to take the 24-year-old Ohtani to Monterrey, Mexico, for a two-game series against the Houston Astros, provided the youngster is ready.

"Of course, I want to go," Ohtani said. "I want to work hard enough so I'm ready even before that. I want to hit in game situations as soon as possible."

Ohtani's progress toward pitching next season reached a new phase when he threw long toss about 27 meters, the greatest distance he's thrown since his surgery.

The day before, Ohtani met Seattle Mariners lefty Yusei Kikuchi, who is also a graduate of Iwate Prefecture's Hanamaki Higashi High School.

"That was really fun," Ohtani said.

The next time they meet, Ohtani will likely be in the lineup and may have a chance to bat against Kikuchi when the Mariners and Angels play a four-game series starting on May 30.