Los Angeles Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has been dealt an injury blow. He had exited the first game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds last Wednesday, August 23, due to arm fatigue.
A subsequent MRI showed that the phenom had a tear in his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
Angels general manager Perry Minasian announced that the 29-year-old will not be pitching for the team for the rest of the season, but they are hopeful he could continue to do his designated hitter duties.
"He has a tear, and he won't pitch the rest of the year. We're going to get a second opinion, go from there, but it's basically day to day," the executive said.
It is not yet sure if the UCL tear would require a Tommy John surgery, a reconstruction of the elbow ligament from a tendon elsewhere in the body, or a deceased donor.
Ohtani already underwent the same surgery in October 2018, and he could miss most of the 2024 season if doctors recommend that he goes under the knife.
Read more: Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman Admits Disastrous 2023 MLB Season For New York
Half a billion at stake
Ohtani is set to hit the open market at the end of the season unless he reaches an agreement on a contract extension with the Angels.
Some have called his upcoming free agency the most anticipated one in baseball history, and projections say he could fetch a contract worth $500 million.
It remains to be seen if the UCL injury would affect the value of Ohtani's future deal.
Related Article: White Sox Fire Longtime Executives Ken Williams and Rick Hahn After Dismal Season
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
