The possibility of Shohei Ohtani (29, LA Angels), who has missed 11 consecutive games, being out for the season has increased.
MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, reported on the 16th (Korean time), “After losing 11-2 in the game against the Detroit Tigers, Ohtani’s locker was cleaned out, and there were large bags filled in front of it.”
Ohtani has not played in 11 consecutive games, with his last appearance against the Oakland Athletics on the 4th. Otani, who complained of discomfort in his side during free betting on the 5th, found inflammation in his right side as a result of the examination. Afterwards, Ohtani attempted to return several times, but was unable to participate as his physical condition did not fully recover.
When Ohtani was not selected to play in the Seattle Mariners’ away game, Angels manager Phil Nevin said, “If Ohtani comes to me and says, ‘I’m ready,’ I will use him.” “I just have to play in the game,” he said. Ahead of the home game against Detroit on the 16th, Ohtani worked out before the game, but was not named in the lineup.
As a batter this season, Ohtani has a batting average of 0.304, 44 home runs, 95 RBI, 20 steals, and an OPS of 1.066 in 135 games. He is being pushed out of the top spot in major batting categories one by one due to his extended absence, but he is already considered a strong MVP candidate based on his current performance alone. Ohtani also started 23 games as a pitcher and played as a top ace in the league, recording 10 wins, 5 losses, an ERA of 3.14, and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings.
However, Ohtani was forced out after 1⅓ innings in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds on August 24 due to arm pain, and as a result of the examination, damage to the elbow ligaments was discovered, so he was out for the season as a pitcher. Ohtani, who decided to focus on batting for the rest of the season, was hit with bad news, including a side injury.메이저놀이터
With the Angels’ possibility of playing fall baseball virtually disappearing, there is no need for Ohtani to force his participation despite the risk of injury. If Ohtani, a prospective free agent, ends the season like this, there is a possibility that this season will be his last with the Angels.