Shohei Ohtani Faces Difficult Decision: To Pitch or Not to Pitch?
Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani is facing a crucial decision that could shape the rest of his baseball career. The question at hand: Should Ohtani opt for Tommy John surgery to repair the torn ligament in his throwing elbow?
If he chooses to undergo the surgery, it may be his best chance to return as a top-flight pitcher. However, it could come at a short-term cost. The surgery would likely sideline him for the entire 2024 season and delay his return to the mound until 2025.
Orthopedic surgeons have weighed in on the matter, stating that if Ohtani elects for Tommy John surgery, he could potentially return next season exclusively as a hitter. This would follow a similar path to Bryce Harper, who successfully transitioned to a designated hitter role following his own injury. However, playing as a hitter while rehabbing from surgery could add more complications to Ohtani’s recovery process.
Dr. Chris Ahmad, the New York Yankees’ head physician, believes that the best way to make Ohtani a pitcher again is to avoid disrupting his progression and throwing during rehab. However, if Ohtani goes for the surgery, Dr. Chris Geary, an orthopedic surgeon, estimates that he won’t be pitching again until the 2025 season.
The complication arises from Ohtani’s prowess at the plate. He could still be a premier hitter next year if he returns as a designated hitter and occasionally plays first base. Geary predicts that Ohtani could be back in action by June if he takes this route.
Despite the potential setback in his pitching career, Ohtani’s desire to win and his legacy as a two-way star may influence his decision. The long-term implications of the surgery and its impact on his pitching and hitting abilities cannot be understated. Ohtani’s unique position in the sport and his otherworldly talent make it difficult for him to walk away from being a two-way star.
Factors such as Ohtani’s approach could also affect the offers he receives during free agency. Front offices will undoubtedly consider the risk and potential impact of his unconventional rehab approach on his long-term projection as a pitcher and hitter.
There is still a possibility that Ohtani can avoid surgery altogether. However, the severity and location of the ligament injury would need to be mild, and Ohtani would likely have to commit to a full-time designated hitter role. Modern baseball’s high-intensity throwing demands make it challenging for non-pitchers to make a full recovery without surgery.
Alternative options, such as platelet-rich plasma injections and internal bracing, have shown promise but are not suitable for all situations. The decision ultimately lies in Ohtani’s hands and the guidance of medical experts.
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on Ohtani and the difficult choices he faces. One thing is for sure, his decision will have a significant impact on his future as a superstar pitcher and hitter in Major League Baseball.