Ohtani placed on IL with season-ending oblique injury

Shohei Ohtani's season is over.

The Angels placed the 2023 AL MVP favorite on the injured list with an oblique strain, the club announced Saturday, according to The Athletic's Sam Blum.

Ohtani has been out of action since Sept. 3 with the injury. The 29-year-old was previously ruled out for the season as a pitcher with a tear in his UCL.

His locker was cleared out on Friday, with the Angels not disclosing why until general manager Perry Minasian explained the situation on Saturday.

"I think in his mind he thought there was a possibility for a procedure today, and that's why he packed," Minasian said, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.

"Nothing malicious. There's no story here. He's so focused on, 'Season's over, I gotta get ready for '24,' and that was what his mindset was. He's planning on being here the last homestand. He's going to be here today, tomorrow."

Ohtani finishes 2023 with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a 1.066 OPS in 135 games as a hitter. He also posted a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts across 132 innings as a pitcher.

The three-time All-Star is an impending free agent. He's still expected to land one of the richest contracts in MLB history despite the uncertainty surrounding his ability to pitch next season.

"Shohei - he's one of a kind," Minasian said. "Great player, great person. I think anybody that knows him, has a chance to talk to him, be around him - he's a team guy. He's a pretty special guy, he's a pretty special player, and it's been a pleasure to get to know him these last three years and hopefully he's here for a long time."