The Los Angeles Angels had their picture day on Tuesday, and their brightest star, Shohei Ohtani, was not available on that day.
Shohei Ohtani was absent from Monday’s game due to oblique soreness and was also unable to participate in the team portrait.
However, his No. 17 was still on the pitch. The Angels used a body double in his place.
It appears there was a stand in for Ohtani at photo day, who was escorted back off the field through the bullpen exit. pic.twitter.com/FP8z8FQqxn
— Sarah Valenzuela (@Sarah_IsabelVee) September 5, 2023
Sam Blum and Sarah Valenzuela, who are Los Angeles reporters, shared images and videos of the stand-in.
Today was Angels photo day. But Shohei Ohtani wasn’t available for it. So they used a body double, and will presumably photoshop him in. He was taken through a back exit by Angels PR. pic.twitter.com/5yFuDjLw4o
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) September 5, 2023
They also stated that the man who was to occupy Ohtani’s physical space in the image had left the field by an outfield exit.
The manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Phil Nevin, regarding the matter, expressed, “Shohei will be in the photo when you see it,”.
Ohtani last month sustained a torn UCL. However, he will be prepared to at least hit at the start of the 2024 season, his agents told reporters on Monday.
