Shohei Ohtani: Season Ends with Injury, Leaving Angels in Uncertain Territory

The Los Angeles Angels delivered a disappointing blow to their fans and the baseball world as they announced the end of Shohei Ohtani’s season due to an oblique injury. This revelation follows a series of setbacks for Shohei Ohtani, including a torn elbow ligament. As the star’s locker at Angel Stadium was cleared out, questions arise about his future with the team and the impact on the Angels’ postseason aspirations.

Ohtani’s Season Cut Short

On a somber Saturday, the Angels placed Shohei Ohtani on the 10-day injured list due to an oblique injury, effectively concluding his season. Ohtani had not seen action since September 3 due to this lingering issue. Despite being listed as day-to-day, the injury ultimately prevented him from taking the field again this year.

Lingering Elbow Concerns

Adding to the cloud of uncertainty, Ohtani has been dealing with a torn ligament in his pitching elbow. Agent Nez Balelo acknowledged that some form of procedure on the elbow is “inevitable.” While Tommy John surgery is often the go-to treatment for such injuries, alternative procedures may also be considered. With the season officially over, speculation is rife that Ohtani will opt for surgery in the near future.

What’s Next for Ohtani?

As Ohtani’s locker was cleared out, it signaled the potential end of an era with the Angels. Set to become a free agent this winter, Ohtani has expressed his desire to play for a contender, something the Angels have not been in recent years. Despite his injury concerns, Ohtani’s remarkable talent makes him a highly sought-after commodity, with a contract in the ballpark of $500 million on the horizon. A timely surgery and recovery could see him return to the field sooner than expected, first as a hitter and eventually as a pitcher.

Ohtani’s Monumental Season

Shohei Ohtani’s 2023 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. He leaves the season with an impressive .304/.412/.654 batting line and an AL-leading 44 home runs as a hitter. On the pitching mound, he contributed 132 innings, boasting a 3.14 ERA and striking out 167 batters. With a remarkable 10.0 WAR, Ohtani is a strong contender for the 2023 AL MVP award, potentially adding a second accolade to his collection.

The Angels’ Struggles

While Ohtani’s individual brilliance shone through, the Angels as a team faced challenges. They currently sit at a 68-80 record, a significant 13.5 games behind a wild-card playoff spot with only 14 games remaining. The team’s postseason hopes are dwindling, and it’s possible they could be officially eliminated from contention very soon. The Angels last reached the postseason in 2014 and have yet to achieve a winning record during Ohtani’s tenure.

Conclusion

The premature end to Shohei Ohtani’s season due to injury leaves the baseball world in anticipation of his next career move. As one of the sport’s most captivating talents, his future will undoubtedly be a topic of great interest during the offseason. For the Angels, Ohtani’s absence casts a shadow over their postseason aspirations, underscoring the challenges they face in building a competitive team around their star player.

Photo Credit: Getty Images