However, due to repeated injuries, the Los Angeles Angels player will miss the rest of the 2023 campaign.

According to a September 16 report by MLB.com, Shohei Ohtani will miss the rest of the 2023 MLB season with a strained right oblique.

On September 4, 2023, a swing during batting practice was the first cause of the oblique ιnjury.

On August 23, 2023, the baseball star also tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

MLB.com reports that Ohtani’s UCL ιnjury is severe enough to warrant surgery.

But “there’s a chance he could avoid a second Tommy John surgery because the tear is in a different part of his UCL than in 2018.”

Tommy John surgery, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, involves “reconstruction of your ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the inside of your elbow.”

Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) are common among elite and professional athletes that participate in overhead throwing sports such as baseball, javelin, and football.

Most people can get back into the game after rehabilitation, however it may take a while and you may have to sit out a season.

The pitcher/DH was having “one of the greatest individual seasons in Major League history officially” before an oblique ιnjury ended his year, according to MLB.com.

If he needs Tommy John surgery, it’s doubtful he’ll be able to return to the mound in 2024, the publication reports.

“Ohtani, however, is still anticipated to command a record deal in free agency because of his unique two-way prowess,” the article says.

Ohtani, according to his agent Nez Balelo, will be ready to play even after surgery on Opening Day in 2024.

As of this writing, it is unclear whether Ohtani will be traded to another club.

His impending status as a free agent has been reported on MLB.com.

According to Fox Sports, in October 2022, he signed a one-year, $30 million contract extension, making him a free agent the following summer.

According to the source, the Angels are “the favorites” to keep Ohtani.

A number of organizations, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Expos, would be interested in signing the athlete if he or she decided to switch teams.