The Los Angeles Angels announced this Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani has opted for surgery. The Japanese DH/RHP is set to operated during the first week of the off-season. Ohtani will undergo a Tommy John surgery in order to repair damage to his pitching elbow.
He Is Not Done Yet
While he will not be available on the mound, Ohtani will most likely remain the Angels’ designated hitter. The 24 year-old will still step up to the plate as the injury seems to not affect his swing. Ohtani bats for an average of .280, 21 home runs and 56 RBI.
A Year Without Pitching
He will certainly not step on the pitching mound in the near future. Due to the extent of his injury and the surgery itself he will most likely not pitch during 2019. He could be back in full health by 2020. The Angels organization is yet to decide if he will play both defense and offense in the future.