Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani will not pitch again this season due to a UCL injury, Mike Trout back to the injured list
Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani will not pitch again this season after he suffered a tear to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, the team announced.
The impending free agent this offseason was the Game 1 starter for the Angels’ doubleheader against the Reds on Wednesday night.
Ohtani had to leave the game in the second inning after he struck out two batters in the game. The right-hander only threw 26 pitches in the game before being removed.
“We did imaging between games, he does have a tear, and he won’t pitch the rest of the year,” said Angels general manager Perry Minasian postgame. “We’re going to get a second opinion, go from there, but it’s basically day-to-day. Obviously, he hit. But that’s where we’re at.”
Minasian acknowledged that the team does not know the severity of the tear in Ohtani’s elbow.
Ohtani was having a massive season and was set to cash in this winter during free agency. The heavy favorite to win another AL MVP award at the conclusion of the season was leading all of baseball with 44 homers.
The Angels can’t confirm right now if Ohtani will be able to hit and be a DH for the rest of the year.
“I don’t know what to expect,” Minasian said when asked if Ohtani will hit for the remainder of the year. “We’re gonna go day-to-day and just see how it goes. See how he feels I think as we get more information, as far as recovery time and all those types of things. We’ll have more information down the road.”
One option for Ohtani is Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent back in October 2018. If he underwent his second surgery, it will sideline him the entire 2024 season.
"As far as plans and details, I don't have those yet," said Minasian. "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 29-year-old was diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of his UCL in 2018 and tried to avoid Tommy John surgery with platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell therapy.
The injury certainly will impact his free agency market this winter where he was expected to sign a $500-plus million deal.
The two-way phenomenon was slashing .304/.405/.664 this season but also boasts a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts in 132 innings.
Mike Trout will head back to the injured list, just days after being activated off the IL with a wrist injury.
Trout initially fractured the hamate bone in his left wrist back in July and missed seven weeks. He is reportedly experiencing lingering soreness in his wrist, the team is hoping a stint on the IL will allow him to get back into the lineup in September.
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