Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Angels, was having an incredible baseball season. However, news broke on Wednesday that Ohtani had suffered another UCL tear and would not pitch for the rest of the year. This announcement shocked the sports world and raised questions about his future as a pitcher and in free agency. FOX Sports’ MLB experts shared their initial thoughts on the injury and its potential impact.
Ben Verlander expressed his heartbreak over the news, emphasizing that Ohtani is currently the greatest player in the game. He sympathized with Ohtani, baseball fans, and everyone involved.
Rowan Kavner highlighted the magnitude of the blow to baseball, as Ohtani’s performance on both offense and defense was extraordinary. Losing his two-way abilities, especially if he needs a second Tommy John surgery, is a significant loss. Kavner also mentioned that Ohtani’s efforts to uplift the underperforming Angels team will not allow him to fully showcase his value, and it’s unfortunate that he will end his time with the Angels without pitching in a meaningful game in October.
When it comes to Ohtani’s prospects of continuing to play both ways, Verlander remains optimistic. He believes Ohtani has already faced and answered questions about his future as a two-way player after his first surgery. Verlander thinks Ohtani can come back from this injury, even if he needs another UCL operation. Jordan Shusterman, on the other hand, wonders how Ohtani will handle being a two-way player as he ages, particularly in his 30s if he commits to a long-term contract. Shusterman is particularly curious to see how teams will value Ohtani as a hitter in 2024 if he undergoes surgery.
Verlander points out that returning from two Tommy John surgeries is not unheard of and mentions several pitchers who have successfully done it. Kavner also adds that it is proven to be possible, although it may require a longer recovery time. Examples of pitchers who have returned from their second Tommy John surgery include Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Capuano. However, it’s important to note that Ohtani’s performance after his first surgery took time to reach his MVP form, and there are no guarantees even after one surgery, let alone two.
The experts also discussed the Angels’ handling of Ohtani’s workload and the potential for a six-man rotation. Verlander expresses frustration with the Angels, stating that they continued to throw Ohtani every fifth start, despite removing him from games earlier due to fatigue. He believes someone should have prioritized Ohtani’s future. Shusterman, on the other hand, acknowledges that Ohtani has been on his own plan and that the Angels trusted him to lead the way. He believes this unfortunate injury was not completely shocking given the toll on Ohtani’s body over the past few years.
In terms of Ohtani’s ability to serve as a designated hitter for the remainder of the year, Verlander believes he is still the favorite for AL MVP, even if he doesn’t play another game. The decision to continue as a DH will depend on second opinions and whether Ohtani decides to undergo Tommy John surgery. Verlander thinks that if he needs surgery, he should get it right away, as he owes nothing more to the organization.