Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Angels, is facing doubts about his future after suffering a career-altering elbow injury. During a doubleheader on Wednesday, Ohtani hit a double but was greeted by Cincinnati’s rookie shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who jokingly questioned whether Ohtani was real given his incredible abilities. However, the injury to Ohtani’s ulnar collateral ligament serves as a harsh reminder that he is indeed human and susceptible to limitations.
Tests revealed that Ohtani has a ligament tear in his elbow, which may require him to undergo a second Tommy John surgery. This type of surgery often worsens and shortens pitching careers, meaning that Ohtani’s long-term future, which was once so promising and potentially lucrative, is now uncertain. Ohtani was already expected to be a highly sought-after free agent, with a potential contract value of over $600 million for his unique blend of pitching and hitting skills.
While Ohtani won’t be able to pitch for the remainder of the season, the Angels have confirmed that he intends to continue playing as their designated hitter. Ohtani currently leads the major leagues in home runs, with 44, and boasts an impressive batting average of .304 with 91 RBIs. He has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate, and there is no doubt that he will continue to pursue the home run title until the end of the season.
However, the long-term outlook is less clear. It remains uncertain whether Ohtani will be able to pitch again, let alone at the elite level he has achieved in recent years. While some pitchers have successfully returned from two Tommy John surgeries, there is no guarantee that Ohtani will be able to do so. Nevertheless, there is still a strong chance that Ohtani will win his second American League MVP award this year, thanks to his impressive overall performance.
The injury to Ohtani has raised questions about whether he will ever have the opportunity to celebrate team success alongside Angels superstar Mike Trout. The Angels’ playoff hopes are slim, and Trout recently returned from a lengthy absence only to find himself back on the injured list after just one game. Despite the Angels’ struggles, they have remained supportive of Ohtani, and they hope that their unwavering support will influence his decision in free agency.
Many teams are expected to compete for Ohtani’s services, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being a logical contender due to their interest in his unique skill set and worldwide fame. However, it will ultimately come down to finding the best fit for Ohtani, considering his needs, desires, and aspirations. Money is not the biggest motivation for Ohtani, as he already earns a significant amount through endorsement deals.
In conclusion, Shohei Ohtani’s elbow injury raises doubts about his future in the sport. While he will continue to hit as a designated hitter, his ability to pitch at an elite level again remains uncertain. The injury has also cast a shadow over his upcoming free agency decision, as teams recalibrate their plans. Regardless of what lies ahead, the Angels will support Ohtani’s decision and make the most of their remaining time together.
