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.
