2023-09-05 12:31:25
ANAHEIM — Agent of Shohei Ohtani indicated that the Los Angeles Angels superstar is determined to continue as a pitcher and hitter when he recovers from his most recent elbow injury.
Nez Balelo said Monday that he believes it will be “inevitable” that Ohtani needs some type of procedure to heal a torn ligament in his pitching elbow, but that they are still seeking opinions on whether it should be Tommy John surgery and not a remedy. surgical. Balelo indicated that the tear is in a different part of the ligament that was repaired with surgery at the end of 2018 and that it is still strong.
“I have no doubt that he will come back and continue in both positions, as he has done in recent years,” said Balelo.
Balelo said Ohtani would continue to play as a designated hitter for the foreseeable future, though he acknowledged that their plans might change soon if they decide it’s best to have surgery before the 2024 season. Hitters who undergo Tommy John surgery usually require six to eight months of rehab before hitting once more.
“What I know: No matter what date we deal with and when we do, Shohei is going to be somebody in the lineup as a designated hitter,” Balelo said. “We know that.”
Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but the Angels cut Ohtani out of their lineup once morest Baltimore on Monday an hour before kickoff and an hour following Balelo’s comments. The team cited a tightness in the player’s right oblique muscle. Ohtani has missed just two games this season.
“If you continue to gather information that we believe is applicable to our future… if there is something that affects it, we will make a decision,” Balelo added.
Ohtani is favorite to win his second AL MVP in three seasons following winning 10 games on the mound and hitting 44 home runs, leading the majors.
Ohtani is set to become a free agent this winter, and he may get a big contract regardless of the injury. Balelo mentioned several times that Ohtani is in good spirits and that he believes he will come back strong as both a hitter and a pitcher.
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