The Los Angeles Angels slim chances of making the playoffs this season have become even slimmer. Their two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is dealing with an elbow injury and won’t pitch again in 2023.
Ohtani made his last start on Wednesday when he was forced to exit the game against the Cincinnati Reds after throwing just 26 pitches. He underwent an MRI later that day, and the test revealed an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow.
Ohtani is expected to seek further opinions on his injury before deciding on his next step. There is a possibility he’ll need a Tommy John surgery, which would be his second since coming to MLB. The former AL MVP underwent the same procedure in 2018 and returned to pitching in 2020 while playing as a designated hitter in the meantime.
“As far as plans and details, I don’t have those yet,” said general manager Perry Minasian at a press conference. “I’ve been in contact with his representation. Obviously he hit the second game. He’s played with this, in ’18, but with that being said we’ll take it day by day and see where it goes. Obviously disappointing news. I feel terrible for him. But it is what it is. If anybody can bounce back, it’s him.”
The injury comes at a crucial period in Shohei Ohtani’s career as he will become a free agent at the end of the season. The Angels decided against trading him in hopes of signing him to a long-term extension but will likely face tough competition. Ohtani is not only expected to receive the most lucrative contract in baseball history but also wants to play for a winning organization, something that the Angels haven’t been for a long time.
