MLB: Shohei Ohtani will not play again this season due to a right elbow injury

Anaheim, California. Shuhei Ohtani will not play again this season due to a torn ligament in his right elbow, Los Angeles Angels general manager Pere Minassian announced late Wednesday night.

The Angels don’t yet know if the Majors’ home run leader and 10-winner will have surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament for the second time. Ohtani underwent his first Tommy John surgery in 2018, after being named the MLS Rookie of the Year.

“It’s a difficult day for him,” Miasyan said. It’s a tough day for all of us. »

The baseball star suddenly came off the mound in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday after making 26 putouts in the first game of a doubleheader.

Ohtani, who hit his 44th homer of the season in the first inning, insisted on playing the second game, before discovering the tear after tests between the two games.

The 29-year-old Japanese is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. The favorite All-American MVP was poised to have the most lucrative contract in baseball history after six stellar campaigns with the Angels. But his salary can depend on his throwing ability.

Minassian said Ohtani plans to get a second opinion before deciding whether or not to have the surgery.

In addition to dominating the homers column, Ohtani averages 0.304 and drives in 91 runs this season. On the hill, he’s 10-5 with a 3.14 GAA. The opponent hits 0.184 when on the mound, which is the worst average in the Majors.

Minassian doesn’t think the hitting and pitching requirements have finally affected Ohtani, who has opted not to miss a game since May 2.

“He’s a professional,” Minassian said. It didn’t bother him. He wanted to play tonight. He is mentally strong. You do what he does. It’s very impressive to see that he played. »

Minassian didn’t know yet if Ohtani would finish the season as the preferred batsman, as the player’s long-term health remains the priority. The Angels kick off a nine-game road trip on Friday against the New York Mets.

“I think he needs time to make his decision. He needs to talk to his relatives. We are also trying to get a second opinion. When the information becomes clear, he will make the right decision and we will support him whatever the decision is.”

Ohtani did not meet with reporters after each match. Minassian said he did not think Ohtani was hiding the pain in his elbow.

“Our relationship is based on communication and trust,” he stressed. We trust him. He trusts us. We listen to it. knows his body. He knows where he is. »