New UCL damage for Ohtani; Tommy John surgery recommended
It doesn't appear like the rookie season of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani will include any more pitching.
An MRI done on Wednesday revealed new damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in the 24-year-old's right elbow, according to a team announcement.
UCL reconstruction surgery, or Tommy John surgery, has been recommended.
Angels general manager Billy Eppler said Ohtani hasn't formally decided to have Tommy John and declined to say whether it was realistic for him to return as a hitter in 2019 prior to being ready to pitch, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Eppler explained Ohtani remains cleared to hit for now and will discuss with him in the coming days if he wishes to continue to bat as the team's designated hitter for the remainder of the season.
Ohtani's right elbow has been a concern since he signed with the Angels in December. In June, after making nine starts, Ohtani was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a Grade 2 sprain of the UCL in his right elbow and began to receive plasma-rich platelet injections.
He made his first start since June on Sept. 2 against the Houston Astros and lasted just 2 1/3 innings with decreased velocity, triggering Wednesday's MRI.
If this was unclear: Once doctors cleared him, they wanted him to pitch this season to test the effectiveness of the therapy he had rather than wait to test it next spring. If therapy failed, surgery would be necessary. They were not trying to injure him.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 5, 2018
Ohtani was in the midst of a stellar rookie campaign, hitting .276/.355/.547 with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs while posting a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA in 10 starts on the mound.
He was considered one of the favorites for American League Rookie of the Year.