Shohei Ohtani Sidelined: Angels’ Superstar Faces UCL Tear, Ends Pitching for the Year

In a blow to the Angels’ camp, news has emerged that Shohei Ohtani, the star player known for his exceptional two-way abilities, has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. As a result, he will no longer be pitching for the remainder of the year. The extent of the UCL tear has not been disclosed yet, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty regarding the next steps for the All-Star player.

During the initial game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Reds, Ohtani had to exit the match after just four outs due to what was initially labeled as “arm fatigue.” Following this abrupt departure, he did not engage with reporters during the interval between the two games that afternoon. Unfortunately for the Angels, they faced defeats in both games of the doubleheader, adding to the somber atmosphere.

This is not the first time Ohtani has dealt with a UCL tear. Back in 2018, he experienced a similar injury and underwent successful Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgery. The subsequent year, 2019, saw him entirely refraining from pitching, although he did make a return as a designated hitter (DH) for a significant portion of the season. He eventually made a comeback to the pitching mound towards the end of 2020, and from 2021 onwards, he transformed into an ace-level pitcher, earning recognition for his remarkable performance.

As the season draws to a close prematurely for Ohtani, his pitching record stands at 10 wins and 5 losses, accompanied by an earned run average (ERA) of 3.14. The impressive 23 starts he made this season reflect his dedication and skill on the field.

Stay tuned for further updates on Halos Today, where insights from the clubhouse and manager Phil Nevin are anticipated to shed more light on this disappointing development.