Shohei Ohtani’s agent says the Los Angeles Angels star player is determined to continue his career as a pitcher and hitter after recovering from his latest elbow injury.
Nez Balelo said on Monday he thought it was “inevitable” that Ohtani would need a procedure to heal the torn ligament in his right elbow. Shohei’s entourage still does not know if he will have to undergo Tommy John type surgery for a second time. He also might not have surgery in the offseason.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to come back strong and he’s going to keep doing both (throwing and hitting) like he’s been doing for the past few years,” Balelo said.
Ohtani wants to continue playing this season as the Angels’ designated hitter. The plan could change soon if he decides to have surgery early to prepare for the start of the 2024 season. A hitter needs a six-month rehabilitation period after Tommy John surgery.
“I know this: regardless of the decision of the doctors, Shohei will be on a team’s roster as a designated hitter from the opener next season,” Balelo said.
Ohtani was removed from the Angels’ starting lineup about an hour before the start of the game against the Baltimore Orioles and an hour after statements from his agent. The Japanese would suffer from stiff backs.
The 29-year-old Ohtani is the favorite for a second All-American MVP in three seasons. He has won 10 games as a pitcher and leads the American with 44 homers.
The state of health of the star player of the Angels has been at the heart of all discussions in the baseball world since he left his departure on August 23 due to pain in his right elbow. Ohtani will be a free agent and could sign the biggest contract in sports history.
2023-09-05 01:51:16
#MLB #Shohei #Ohtani #pitching #elbow #surgery
