Breaking News: Shohei Ohtani’s labrum surgery could delay return to pitching but shouldn’t impact swing…see more…
In a surprising turn of events, Shohei Ohtani’s future as both a pitcher and a hitter has been called into question after the two-way star underwent labrum surgery in his throwing arm. The Los Angeles Angels announced today that Ohtani’s surgery, performed earlier this week, will delay his return to pitching. However, the team emphasized that it will not affect his ability to swing the bat or continue as a designated hitter during the 2024 season.
Ohtani, who has long been known for his remarkable ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate, is expected to recover from the surgery faster than initially anticipated. While the procedure is significant for his pitching arm, doctors believe Ohtani’s recovery timeline for hitting should remain unaffected. The injury has raised questions about Ohtani’s future as a two-way player, but his exceptional skills at the plate are expected to keep him as one of the most valuable hitters in the game.
“We are confident Shohei will continue to perform at an elite level as a batter while he recovers,” said Angels general manager Perry Minasian in a statement. “His swing, his power, and his approach at the plate remain unaffected by this injury, and we’re optimistic that he’ll be back to his full potential on the mound by midseason 2025.”
Ohtani, who has been one of the hottest free agents of the offseason, will likely still receive strong interest from teams looking to utilize him as a hitter, even as questions linger about his future as a pitcher. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the lineup, with Ohtani expected to play a key role in the Angels’ lineup as they push for the playoffs in 2024.
