After complaining of elbow pain, Shohei Ohtani has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn elbow ligament.
According to FOX Sports, a local U.S. media outlet, “Ohtani underwent a medical examination and was diagnosed with a UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) tear in his elbow,” and “the Angels will not have him pitch for the remainder of the season,” on Thursday afternoon (ET).메이저사이트
However, there are still opportunities for him to bat. “Ohtani is out for the season as a pitcher, but will continue to play as a hitter,” the outlet said.
Earlier in the day, Ohtani pitched 1.1 innings as the No. 2 hitter and starter in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Angel Stadium in Los Angeles, California, and continued his hot streak at the plate with his 44th home run. However, he was taken off the mound due to sudden elbow pain.
Here’s what happened. After retiring the side in order in the first inning, Ohtani walked leadoff hitter Spencer Steer to start the second, and Joey Votto was hit by a pitch. He then induced a foul with a five-pitch 94.2 mph (151.6 km/h) fastball against Christian Encarnacion-Strand before complaining of elbow pain.
Ohtani immediately signaled to the bench, and Angels manager Phil Nevin and head trainer Mike Frostad went to the mound to check his condition, prompting a pitching change. Ohtani was then removed from the game in the bottom of the third inning as a pinch hitter.
He returned to the lineup in the second game of the doubleheader and appeared to have a minor injury, but was then faced with the bad news that he had torn a ligament in his elbow.
He showed some symptoms. According to MLB.com, Ohtani’s velocity slowed down significantly. His fastball averaged 93.1 mph (149.8 km/h) on the day, a far cry from his season average of 96.6 mph (155.5 km/h). In addition, the velocity of his sweepers, splitters, curveball, and cut fastball also declined.
Previously, Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in the 2019 season. He continued to play as a hitter, but didn’t return as a pitcher until the 2021 season.
He cruised to a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA this season, but will miss the remainder of the season, meaning his bid for the Cy Young Award will have to wait for another opportunity.
Meanwhile, as a hitter, Ohtani is batting .305 (141-for-462) with 44 home runs and 91 RBIs in 125 games.