Shohei Ohtani suffers torn UCL, not pitching rest of season, says Angels GM
By Ryan General
August 24, 2023
The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has sustained an injury that will prevent him from pitching again this season.
About the injury: The 29-year-old athlete, known for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, left during the second inning of the Angels’ game against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
During tests between games, it was discovered that he had sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. Regardless, Ohtani insisted on continuing to play in the second game of the doubleheader as a designated hitter even after the injury’s discovery. Earlier in the day, Ohtani slammed his 44th home run of the season.
Minasian, acknowledging the significance of the blow, commented, “A tough day for him. Tough day for all of us.”
As of this writing, it is still unknown whether Ohtani’s injury will require surgery as he is set to get second opinions on the matter.
Potential repercussions: Prior to the injury, Ohtani was poised to receive massive contract offers going into the free agency market following six phenomenal seasons with the Angels. The development has now cast uncertainty over the athlete’s future.
Ohtani’s injury history includes a previous tear in his UCL in 2018, which saw him return as a designated hitter following UCL reconstruction surgery. While the Angels remain hopeful about his return, the team emphasized that Ohtani’s long-term health and potential surgical intervention take precedence.
In his statement, Minasian expressed confidence in Ohtani’s ability to overcome the setback: “If I was to bet on anybody bouncing back, he would be the guy.”
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