Los Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani announced he will not pitch for the remainder of the 2023 season due to a USL injury to his elbow, general manager Perry Minasian announced after Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds.
Minassian reported that Ohtani had imaging done between games, which revealed a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.
Ohtani left the game before playing during an at-bat in the middle of the second inning in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader due to what the Angels called “hand fatigue”. Imaging revealed a USL injury.
Minassian said, “It’s obviously disappointing news. I feel very sorry for them, but… it is what it is. If one of them can make a comeback, he will.”
Ohtani, who is the lead agent, suffered a USL injury in 2018 that limited him to just two opening matches until the 2021 season. He came back again to play as DH in the second game of the doubleheader on Wednesday and went 1-for-5. Minassian described his progress as “day by day”.
Minasian commented, “I’m uncertain about the outcome. We’ll take things day by day and assess the situation’s progress. We’ll gauge his mental well-being as well.”
It was not immediately known whether Ohtani would require surgery to repair the injury. Regardless of the move he makes, an injury to Ohtani could impact the price tag of the USL’s No. 1 free agent.
2021 MVP top honors of the AL
He’s progressing well toward winning the MLB again, tying for first in the league with 44 homers—including one that left before he played in Wednesday’s opener—and an ERA of 3.14. Now, it’ll be hard to see Ohtani playing for the rest of 2023’s specials—maybe we never get to see him again, or should he go to free agency?
With the Angels failing, Minasian also revealed that three-time MVP Mike Trout could return as well.
The Angels, which came full circle under business pressure, are now struggling. They have four losses so far, are just 5-16 in August with a recommendation, and are 10.5 games behind in the wild card race. Due to the disarray of Ohtani’s pitching and the uncertainty of his position, his playoff hopes are on the wane.”