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The news finally broke that we were all dreading - and most figured was coming sooner or later. The Angels PR account on Twitter posted the news just after 3 PM.
RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani underwent an MRI on his right elbow earlier today. The imaging revealed new damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). UCL reconstruction surgery is the recommended plan of care. Additional information will be provided when appropriate. #Angels
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) September 5, 2018
NEW damage. So this is like the 3rd different spot/time he’s had damage to his damn elbow. The good news is he’s having it now so will just miss the 2019 season and will be back to full form for 2020 (the last year of Mike Trout’s contract).
The chart below from his last start was very troubling and I was not one of those that believed the story of how his drop in velocity was due to back issues or trying to field a ground ball with his pitching hand. Moral of the story if you haven’t learned it by now is: Never trust the Angels when they report on injuries.
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Good news? Ohtani is still in the lineup tonight and likely will be until he goes in for surgery. It’s also quite possible that we will see Ohtani swinging a bat in the lineup for the 2019 season so he’ll still be around. The perks of a two-way player I suppose.
Recovery for a position player is typically around six months. Most position players are cleared to start swinging at around four months. Both those timetables would allow him back for Opening Day. https://t.co/ZO1cq33rTL
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 5, 2018
But that is not guaranteed. I’m gonna go cry into my coffee now.