Shohei Ohtani has been cleared to start a throwing progression after undergoing a medical evaluation of his right elbow, the Los Angeles Angels announced Thursday.

The 24-year-old has not pitched since June 6 because of a Grade 2 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm.

While the same injury has led to season-ending Tommy John surgery for many pitchers, Ohtani's diagnosis raises hopes he can return to the mound this season.

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The two-way star received a platelet-rich plasma injection in the elbow last month.

After being placed on the disabled list on June 8, Ohtani was cleared to resume hitting and returned to the lineup on July 3.

He has hit .250 and slugged .458 since returning, with a home run and two doubles in 28 at bats.

As a pitcher, Ohtani has gone 4-1 with a 3.10 ERA in nine starts this season.