Shohei Ohtani News: Angels Unsure if Injured Star Will Remain at DH
The Angels received some of the worst news that they could have on Wednesday night as two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani suffered a torn UCL. He had been dealing with arm fatigue over the last few weeks, even skipping his start last week.
Now the worst fears of the organization have happened, and Ohtani won’t pitch again this season. Maybe he can come back as a hitter after some time, but things aren’t looking great for the likely American League MVP this season.
Ohtani and the team will discuss next steps for the rest of the year. But this is the same injury that caused him to have Tommy John Surgery in 2018. The hope is that he can avoid going down that route.
General Manager Perry Minasian spoke about what the future holds for Ohtani this season. He isn’t sure if Ohtani will continue to hit the rest of the way.
"I think he needs time to wrap his head around it, talk to the people close to him," Minasian said. "We're in the process of getting second opinions. Once the information is there, he'll make the right decision on what he wants to do, and we'll support him, whatever he decides. ... I wouldn't be surprised if he's in New York and he's in the lineup. I know how bad he wants to play."
This now leaves some questions up in the air for his impending free agency this winter. He was supposed to receive the largest contract in baseball history because of his two-way abilities, but this injury could change things.
"As far as plans and details, I don't have those yet," Minasian said at Angel Stadium. "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."
Ohtani will likely still get a big contract, but it may not surpass the $500 million that it was once expected to.
This is a massive blow to the Angels and the baseball world. Hopefully, Ohtani can avoid surgery, even if it means that he won't play the rest of the season.
He is the face of the league right now, so hopefully he can heal up and get back out there as soon as possible.
