Angels general manager Perry Minasian told reporters Wednesday night that star pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Ohtani will not pitch again this season.
Ohtani, who went underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 in the same elbow, is still being evaluated as next steps are determined. It’s unclear if the injury will require a second surgery on his right elbow, and he is seeking a second opinion on the ailment prior to a decision being made. A full tear almost always requires surgery, while a partial tear can sometimes be resolved with something less invasive. Minasian did not reveal the extent of the tear in Ohtani’s elbow.
Ohtani started the first game of the day-night doubleheader on the mound for Los Angeles on Wednesday against the Reds, but was pulled from the game in the second inning with “arm fatigue.” Imaging tests were performed on Ohtani’s elbow, and he went on to play in the night game as a designated hitter, going 1-for-5 at the plate.
The injury announcement, coming at the end of August, is a massive development for both Ohtani, who is set to become a free agent this winter, as well as his potential suitors. The expectation is that Ohtani would fetch a record-breaking contract if healthy. But now with a second UCL injury saddling his pitching elbow, the Angels star could see the injury affect his market value, especially if he needs surgery which could sideline him into next season.
Ohtani owns a career 3.01 ERA in the major leagues and has proven to be a frontline starter while providing a power bat as one of the game’s great hitters.
This season, Ohtani is 10-5 on the mound with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. At the plate, Ohtani is hitting .304 with a major league leading 44 home runs to go along with 91 RBI.
