The Los Angeles Angels experienced a significant setback on Wednesday when two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.
This injury occurred during a 9-4 loss in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Reds, forcing Ohtani to exit his start after just 1 1/3 innings.
This is the second time Ohtani has suffered a torn UCL, with the first instance in 2018 leading to Tommy John surgery and a year-long hiatus from pitching in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Angels are awaiting a second opinion before deciding to go for another surgery.
Ohtani, a strong contender for the American League MVP Award, will not pitch again this season. An MRI exam conducted between the doubleheader games confirmed the tear.
However, Ohtani’s ability to continue as a hitter for the rest of the season also remains uncertain.
“We did imaging between games and he does have a tear, and he won’t pitch the rest of the year,” said general manager Perry Minasian. “We’re going to get a second opinion and go from there. It’s basically day to day.”
Ohtani, demonstrating his dedication to the team, asked to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter in Game 2, despite being aware of his diagnosis. He managed to score 1-for-5 with a hustle double in the fifth.
The timing of the injury is unfortunate for Ohtani, who is set to become a free agent after the season and was on track to secure the largest contract in Major League history.
A second Tommy John surgery could potentially sideline him for the 2024 season and beyond, significantly impacting his value.
Minasian, however, remains optimistic about Ohtani’s recovery. “I would never put any limitations on players in general, and especially him,” Minasian said. “He’s shown it’s possible to do it and excel at it. I expect him to bounce back and do what he needs to do to get back to where he was.”
Ohtani, 29, has had an impressive season, making 23 starts on the mound with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings.
He also leads the MLB with 44 home runs and boasts a batting average of .304/.405/.664 with 22 doubles, seven triples, 91 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 126 games.
As the Angels and their fans await further updates on Ohtani’s condition, his resilience and commitment to the game continue to inspire admiration and respect.
