Ohtani has a flexor sprain, can’t pitch for 4-6 weeks

Angels announced today that Ohtani has a grade 1-2 sprain on the flexor pronator mass in his arm and can’t pitch for 4-6 weeks. Ohtani avoids the IL, thankfully. He is still available to DH, but it is likely that his pitching season is over.

It is yet another setback for Shohei Ohtani who is coming off of TJ surgery and has made 2 starts in 2020. He is likely to DH for the rest of 2020 and perhaps be reevaluated in the offseason on what to do about his pitching career.

This is a common complication following Tommy John Surgery — it happened to Zack Wheeler, for example.

With Jo Adell now up and a farm filled with outfield prospects, it is very unlikely Ohtani fields there. His future pitching role may be in relieving, if he has one at all. We will see.

23 Comments
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eyespy
Super Member
4 years ago

Tennis elbow?

So glad I was wrong.

Last edited 4 years ago by eyespy
Mia
Legend
Mia
4 years ago
Reply to  eyespy

Well, we know who to blame.

eyespy
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Are we allowed to show our eyes to a “Super” “Member” comment? Will we be cast upon the alter for sacrifice or punishment, if we do?

admkir
Trusted Member
4 years ago
Reply to  eyespy

I don’t know, as a lowly member (just thankful not to be a newbe). I think I have to look up to her as a goddess.

Last edited 4 years ago by admkir
admkir
Trusted Member
4 years ago
Reply to  admkir

Look at me I can’t even be trusted yet

Last edited 4 years ago by admkir
Mia
Legend
Mia
4 years ago
Reply to  admkir

I think I have to look up to her as a goddess.

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Mia
Legend
Mia
4 years ago
Reply to  eyespy

Proceeed at your own discretion, but….

comment image

hockey_duckie
Member
4 years ago

Didn’t Arte say he’d make a trade for a pitcher during the season after botching the Striping/Pederson for Rengifo trade?

Jessica DeLine
Admin
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  hockey_duckie

If such a pitcher becomes available leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, Moreno believes the Angels will have the financial flexibility and player capital to make a deal.

eyespy
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  Jessica DeLine

Player capital, lol

DowningDude
Legend
4 years ago
Reply to  eyespy

my company has a guiding principle … “People Matter” … pfft… we always correct it: People (are) Matter.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
4 years ago

I would expect the team revert to traditional five-man rotation now? Bundy, Heaney, Canning, Sandoval, Teheran with Andriese and Pena in swing / long relief roles?

If Ohtani can focus on hitting for the next 50 days, maybe it’s a good thing. The lineup needs more consistent LH punch. But I expect old man Pujols to cannibalize some of his at bats.

Fansince1971
Legend
4 years ago

DH for the rest of the season. Extended Spring Training during the off-season.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
4 years ago

Really wonder where/how the five players of Goodwin, Upton, Adell, Ohtani and Pujols split appearances across four positions going forward.

Last edited 4 years ago by Turk's Teeth
GrandpaBaseball
Legend
4 years ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

l believe Ohtani goes on the lL. If and when Marsh is added then there may become an issue.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
4 years ago

His right arm injury really doesn’t impact his lefty swing. He’s in a similar place to where he was after receiving his TJ diagnosis (though less severe) – he went out the same day and hit 2 HRs.

The Angels don’t have to put him on the IL unless they believe he needs a mental rest. The doc already said he was day to day for hitting.

LAAFan
Trusted Member
4 years ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

In a general sense the only one of those 5 I’d say will play every day is (regrettably) Upton. Ohtani and Goodwin sit vs lefties, Pujols sits vs most righties, Adell picks up the scraps.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  LAAFan

Though Eppler made comments this year that once Adell is up, he will play everyday. The Angels may renege on that, but I imagine he’ll get the Trout treatment, given his #1 prospect status.

JackFrost
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  LAAFan

Yeah, interesting isn’t it? The one who least deserves to play every day is the one who probably WILL play every day.

eyespy
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

He earned the spot, his paycheck proves it.

JackFrost
Super Member
4 years ago
Reply to  eyespy

Adell batting in the 7th slot tonight. No Upton! My original prediction is correct.

jcstein
Trusted Member
4 years ago

I see this as good news all things considered