Angels’ Shohei Ohtani Has Elbow Surgery, Expected to Hit in 2024

2023 has been a whirlwind campaign for Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. Trade rumours, his two-way playing style, mesmerizing numbers at the plate and on the mound, and a season-ending elbow injury. It was reported on Tuesday that the surgery was successful with famed Los Angeles Dodgers physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Shohei Ohtani is expected to at least hit in the 2024 campaign, wherever he ends up playing.

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Shohei Ohtani Has Elbow Surgery, Should Hit Again in 2024

Dr. Neal ElAttrache is well known in the sports medicine world, having recently worked on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and, several years ago, Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant. The work done on Ohtani was to “reinforce the healthy ligament in place.” In other words, Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the UCL was avoided, unlike back in 2018.

The physician’s opinion is that Shohei Ohtani should be stepping up to the plate as early as Opening Day next spring. As for his ability to be a starting pitcher, that would wait until 2025.

The Japan native was having a truly excellent season before it all came crashing down. He was hitting .304 at the plate, crushed 44 home runs, and brought in 95 runs. On the mound, he went 10-5 with an ERA of 3.14 and a WHIP of 1.06.

Following the World Series the coveted All-Star player enters free agency. How his inability to pitch next season affects his free agency value is the question of the hour. We’ll find out starting this November.