Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Wanted to Return This Season
For as great as a season starting pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has had, the last few weeks have been absolutely devastating.
After an MRI revealed a tear in the UCL of his throwing arm, Ohtani's time on the mound came to a premature end this season after the 29-year-old dominated as a starting pitcher. In early September, an oblique injury caused Ohtani to be scratched from a game against the Baltimore Orioles and now his season is officially over after being placed on the injured list.
Angels GM Perry Minasian revealed to reporters just how much Ohtani was pushing himself for a return this season, but sadly, his oblique just wasn't improving quickly enough to play.
“In Seattle, he was taking massive hacks in the cage,” Minasian said. “He wants to play. That’s what we love about him. He’s somebody that loves playing. He doesn’t take it for granted. He wants to be out there every day and wants to be with his teammates and wants to perform for the fans and for the organization. And I have a lot of respect for that.”
Manager Phil Nevin added the final nail to the return.
“He fought it. He tried. He really wanted to play. He’s upset by it. But it just got to a point where, you understand that he was not gonna be able to go again this year.”
Despite the unfortunate end to the season and the Angels being already eliminated from the AL Wild Card race, Ohtani still hoped to finish out the 2023 season with the Angels, potentially playing in front of Halos fans for the last time in red.
He'll remain around the team and join them back at Angel Stadium for the final homestand of 2023 next week.
