After weeks of uncertainty, it is official – Los Angeles Angels two way player Shohei Ohtani will undergo Tommy John surgery in the offseason.
It was seemingly inevitable that Shohei Ohtani would undergo Tommy John surgery. The Los Angeles Angels two way star had missed time with a sprained elbow, and then, after being put back on the mound on September 2, he tore his UCL. At the time, the procedure was recommended for Ohtani, but he sought out a second opinion.
That opinion came back with the same determination – Ohtani would need to go under the knife. As such, he will have the procedure done after the season, allowing him to have a few more games as the Angels designated hitter.
Update on Shohei Ohtani:
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 25, 2018
Shohei Ohtani will undergo UCL reconstruction surgery during the first week of the off-season. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Additional information will be provided when appropriate.
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In theory, having the surgery so soon after the season will allow Ohtani to be back in the Angels lineup next season. Hitters that have the procedure are normally sidelined for six to nine months, allowing Ohtani to return to the lineup in May if he is on the longer side in terms of recovery. If he is ready for the final month of Spring Training, and can get in the lineup for Opening Day, he could be a major boost to the Angels offense.
However, there is a great deal of uncertainty. Ohtani is basically uncharted waters in virtually every aspect as a two way player. Returning to the field and swinging a bat would not harm a normal player, but what about Ohtani?
Even though the Angels say they will be working on a rehab plan with their doctors in the coming weeks and months, there is still a great deal of uncertainty. Could the Angels look to sit Ohtani entirely for the 2019 campaign, doing their best to make sure he does not get injured? Or will they regard his incredible bat as too much of an asset, keeping him in the lineup to provide Mike Trout with protection?
That course of action may well be predicated on how the Angels regard their chances next year. If they feel that they have a realistic chance to contend for the playoffs next season, Ohtani will likely be in the lineup as soon as he is medically cleared. Of course, that hope would involve the pitching staff being healthy, something that has not been the case over the past few years.
The Los Angeles Angels are in uncharted waters as Shohei Ohtani will have Tommy John surgery. How they proceed with his rehab and his place in the lineup will be fascinating to watch next season.