The Mariners are taking a chance on Kendall Graveman and Taijuan Walker, who were looking for an opportunity to prove similar injuries hadn’t completely derailed their careers.
Yankees' pitcher Luis Severino needs Tommy John surgery and will miss the 2020 season. Severino was sidelined until the final weeks of the regular season last year.
Taijuan Walker returned to the Seattle Mariners, agreeing to a $2 million, one-year contract that includes $500,000 each in performance and roster bonuses.
Los Angeles Angels manager Brad Ausmus said he expects Ohtani to be in the lineup when Kikuchi pitches for the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium on Saturday night.
Ohtani wouldn't change how he handled his elbow injury, by continuing to hit for the Angels until season's end delaying reconstructive surgery and his ability to pitch.