Shohei Ohtani’s Remarkable Season Cut Short by Oblique Injury

The Angels officially announced on Saturday that Ohtani would be placed on the injured list due to an oblique injury, effectively ending his season. This comes after Ohtani’s pitching season was cut short last month due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament. General Manager Perry Minasian revealed that Ohtani had undergone an MRI on his oblique, confirming the need for him to stop playing. Ohtani had already started packing up his belongings in preparation for “a procedure” on his elbow, although the specific details of the procedure were not disclosed.

If Ohtani chooses to undergo Tommy John surgery, a swift operation could potentially allow him to return as a hitter by the end of spring training. However, there is speculation that Ohtani’s rehabilitation may require more time and effort, especially considering his previous Tommy John surgery in 2018. The exact timetable for his recovery remains uncertain.

The question of whether Ohtani will return to the Angels or join another team is still unanswered. It is worth noting that franchise players who plan to stay with their teams typically do not clear out their lockers in mid-September.

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If Ohtani does leave the Angels, it will mark the end of his tenure without any postseason appearances. Despite making moves at the trade deadline to bolster their roster, the Angels fell short of the playoffs. Injuries to key players such as Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon further contributed to the team’s struggles. As the season winds down, the Angels find themselves with a disappointing record and Ohtani’s future with the team in question.

The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s post-2023 plans adds to the intrigue. Since tearing his UCL, Ohtani has not spoken to the media, with Minasian speaking on his behalf. Ohtani expressed a desire to continue contributing to the team’s playoff chase before suffering the oblique injury. Despite limited playing time in September, Ohtani had an outstanding season, excelling both as a hitter and a pitcher.

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For years, the baseball industry has speculated on the potential contract Ohtani could command as a free agent. His unique skillset as both a pitcher and a hitter presents an intriguing challenge for teams looking to negotiate a deal. Despite the uncertainty around his pitching future, it is still expected that Ohtani will receive a significant contract offer. The ongoing discussions regarding his future will undoubtedly be a major storyline during the upcoming offseason. Unfortunately, the Angels’ season ends on a disappointing note with Ohtani’s absence from the roster and clubhouse.