Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star of the Los Angeles Angels, remains determined in his dedication to both pitching and batting despite his recent injury, a tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
While his return to the game remains uncertain, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA, confirmed that the Japanese sensation is eager to return as a designated hitter (DH) at the beginning of the next season.
Balelo addressed the media for the first time since Ohtani’s UCL tear was disclosed on August 23.
“There’s not a question in his mind that he’s going to come back and he’s going to continue to do both, Shohei’s going to be fine, Is he going to pitch the rest of the year? No. We already know that. Is he going to get into next year? We don’t know yet. So just bear with me on that. But I do know this — no matter what timetable we’re dealing with and when we get this done, Shohei’s going to be in somebody’s lineup next year, DHing when the bell rings. We know that. We’re not going to push that. He’s going to be good to go.”: Said Balelo to Reporters.
Shohei Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo: “There’s not a question in his mind that he’s gonna come back and he’s gonna continue to do both.”
The question, of course, is when. Balelo said at some point he’ll undergo “some type of procedure,” but they’re still evaluating opinions.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) September 4, 2023
Ohtani will eventually undergo ‘some form’ of medical procedure to address the UCL tear.
The options range from the traditional Tommy John surgery, which could sideline him until the 2024 season, to less invasive treatments like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)can also be considered a possibility.
Balelo mentioned that the current tear is different from what the Ohtani experienced five years ago. This time, the tear is in the lowest extreme of his right UCL, closer to the ulna and radius bones, whereas in the player’s previous injury the highest extremity, was attached to the humerus.
According to medical experts, the current tear is considered the “best-case scenario” given the circumstances.
While Ohtani’s return to pitching remains uncertain, Balelo assured fans that he will be back as a DH next season.
Ohtani struggled during the shortened 2020 season but emerged as one of the best in 2021, winning the AL MVP award. He is a strong contender for the 2023 MVP, despite the Angels’ struggles on the field.
Currently leading the majors in OPS, homers, and triples, Ohtani has also displayed his speed with 20 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, on the pitching front, he compiled a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings before getting injured.
Ohtani’s performance and his determination to continue playing through the UCL tear are evident while awaiting further medical assessments.
Questions were raised regarding whether the Angels could have detected the injury sooner, as Ohtani experienced arm fatigue and cramping leading up to the diagnosis.
During the Press conference, Balelo confirmed that both Ohtani and Los Angeles Angels considered an MRI unnecessary after his August 3 start, as they believed it didn’t require further investigation.
Despite his injury and impending free agency, Ohtani’s relationship with the Angels remains intact, according to Balelo. Doctors have assured them that his continued role as a DH will not worsen the UCL problem.
