In a recent game against the Phillies, Angels’ Shohei Ohtani suffered a leg injury.
The incident occurred in the fifth inning when Ohtani attempted to steal a base and collided with Edmundo Sosa while sliding into third base.
As a result, Ohtani limped off the field and into the clubhouse, raising concerns about his condition.
Shohei Ohtani came up with discomfort and was limping after this play and headed to the clubhouse.
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 29, 2023
This injury comes at a challenging time for the Angels, who have already been grappling with a series of setbacks.
Ohtani had previously been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament on August 23, which put him on the path to a second Tommy John surgery.
Now, with a potential leg injury added to the mix, the situation becomes even more complicated for the Japanese phenom and the team.
The Angels’ chances of securing a playoff spot are slim, as they currently sit 11.5 games back of an American League wild card position with a 63-69 record.
Considering the recent struggles of the franchise, it may be prudent for the club to consider shutting down Ohtani for the rest of the year.
This decision would prioritize his long-term health and recovery.
In addition to Ohtani’s injury, the Angels made significant roster moves on Tuesday. Nearly a quarter of their roster, including notable players such as Lucas Giolito, Matt Moore, Reynaldo Lopez, Dominic Leone, Hunter Renfroe, and Randal Grichuk, were placed on waivers.
These moves indicate a potential shift in the team’s strategy and future plans.
Despite the challenges faced by the Angels, Ohtani has been having an exceptional season ahead of his impending free agency.
He boasts impressive statistics, including a .304 batting average, .409 on-base percentage, .663 slugging percentage, 44 home runs, 92 RBI, and 19 stolen bases in 130 games.
On the pitching front, Ohtani has also excelled with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings across 23 starts.
With little chance of making the playoffs, continuing to expose him to potential risks may not be in the team’s best interest.
