As the 2023 season progresses, the Los Angeles Angels and two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani drama has continued to develop. What might have been his final stretch with the squad was marred by a fourth-place finish in addition to the disappointment of a UCL injury that forced him to leave the starting rotation.

His hitting season is now over as well. With an oblique injury, Ohtani has missed the team’s last 11 games, but it was anticipated that he would play again, and it was even said that it might have happened during their most recent series against the Seattle Mariners.

The next time Ohtani goes onto a baseball diamond for a game will be in 2024, after his free agency is over since it was revealed on Saturday that he would be placed on the IL and miss the rest of the season as both a pitcher and a hitter.

Ohtani had a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, a 4.00 FIP, a 1.06 WHIP, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 132 innings pitched (23 starts) while in the midst of another MVP campaign. The Angels’ offense was driven by his slash line of.304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, 95 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.

This information was alluded to on Friday when Ohtani cleaned out his locker at Angel Stadium, a customary action for a player who won’t be participating in the current season.

Frustration over yet another season gone by without a postseason berth and a talent exodus to the waiver wire in an effort to avoid the luxury tax all seem to be reaching a boiling point. On Saturday, team officials will have more information to share regarding the circumstances surrounding Ohtani.

The likelihood of a UCL surgery announcement is high, but the Angels have a history of shocking the news cycle.

Shohei Ohtani’s plans for the future are not known to angels.
When it comes to free agency, Ohtani’s choices will remain open, and because of his most recent elbow injury, some organizations might be reluctant to provide a deal with a high total value.

Ohtani and the team’s disagreement over his ailment is one of many puzzle pieces, as is his desire to pitch according to his own plan. His rise from where he was when he initially joined the Angels to where he is today is like night and day.

When considering long-term contracts, it’s unlikely that Ohtani and the Angels will prioritize one another.