Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani underwent elbow surgery on Tuesday, meaning he won’t be able to hit or throw for an extended period of time.
The Japanese confirmed with an Instagram post that his time under the knife went well. According to his agent Nez Balelo, he will no longer be able to pitch in 2024 but could return to the position the following year.
So he could play as a designated hitter next season and should be ready for the spring opener.
“The ultimate plan, after consulting with Shohei, was to correct the problem and strengthen the healthy ligament while adding viable tissue for elbow longevity,” said Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the operation.
Ohtani was injured during batting practice due to an oblique strain and has been out since September 4th. He will have to miss the final 25 games of 2023 and the Angels are unable to compete in the playoffs.
“It’s really unfortunate that I couldn’t finish the year on the field, but I’ll be cheering for the boys until the end,” Ohtani said. I will work as hard as I can to return to the diamond stronger than ever.”
The 29-year-old could be the most popular free agent next offseason. Even when he’s not pitching, he remains one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball. He finished the season with a 3.04 batting average and had 151 hits, including 44 home runs, in 135 games.
On the mound, he maintained a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA.