Los Angeles Angels Star Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Expected to Recover in Time for Hitting in 2024 and Pitching in 2025
Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani recently underwent elbow surgery on Tuesday, according to a statement from his agent. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the procedure, expressing his optimism about Ohtani’s recovery timeline. He expects the 29-year-old superstar to be back hitting by 2024 and pitching by 2025.
Ohtani was placed on the 10-day injured list on September 16 due to an oblique injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. It was later revealed that he also had a UCL tear in his pitching elbow. The injury forced him to miss 11 games before being sidelined.
In response to Ohtani’s surgery, his agent Nez Balelo emphasized that the decision was made with a long-term perspective in mind. Ohtani desired a procedure that would provide him with the best chance to continue showcasing his skills both as a hitter and a pitcher for many years to come.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache echoed this sentiment, stating that the surgery aimed to repair the injury while strengthening the healthy ligament and ensuring its longevity. He expressed confidence in Ohtani’s full recovery, predicting that he would be able to hit without any restrictions by the opening day of the 2024 season. Additionally, ElAttrache expects Ohtani to resume both hitting and pitching duties by 2025.
The lack of information regarding the specific surgery has caused some uncertainty. Given the details provided, it is unlikely that Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery. The situation has been characterized by chaos, with Ohtani and his representatives withholding information. Despite his initial intentions to continue playing, Ohtani wasted no time in pursuing surgery when it became clear that he could no longer do so.
Looking ahead, it remains unclear how long Ohtani’s recovery process will be. The goal is for him to return as the exceptional two-way player he has been in recent seasons. However, with a second elbow repair potentially impacting his ability to hit full time next year, the exact pathway to achieve this remains uncertain.
While it is not surprising that Ohtani won’t be pitching next season due to the UCL tear, he remains committed to resuming his pitching career as soon as possible. Ohtani’s value as a free agent is reliant on his ability to perform as both a hitter and a pitcher. Despite a second tear to his elbow, he remains unwavering in his determination to continue being a two-way star.
Overall, Ohtani’s recent elbow surgery has raised questions about his recovery timeline and how it will impact his future as a player. As more information becomes available, fans and experts alike eagerly await updates on the remarkable two-way talent.
(Photo: Kiyoshi Mio / USA Today)