The baseball world just took a collective loss after it was announced that Shohei Ohtani tore a ligament in his right elbow and will be unable to pitch for the remainder of the 2023 season, general manager Perry Minasian said Wednesday night.
Minasian didn’t say whether Ohtani will need surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament. He had Tommy John surgery in late 2018, following his American League Rookie of the Year season.
“It’s a tough day for him,” Minasian said. “Tough day for all of us.”
Ohtani exited his start on the mound in the second inning Wednesday, which was his first start in two weeks after missing his turn in the rotation with fatigue. He did not remain in the game as the Angels’ designated hitter.
The Angels now face the question of a second Tommy John surgery for Ohtani. He is reportedly seeking a second opinion regarding the surgery.
A second Tommy John surgery typically requires a much longer rehab than the first, with pitchers usually requiring at least a year and a few months to get back on the mound.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
The news interrupts what was setting up to be a historically great season for him as he is likely the favorite for American League MVP by virtue of his production in the first four-and-a-half months of the season.
The Angels’ season is effectively over as they hold a record of 61-67 and sits 10.5 games back from the third and final wild-card spot.
