Shohei Ohtani Clears Out Locker Amid Angels’ Struggles
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star, cleared out his locker at Angel Stadium after the team’s loss to the Tigers on Friday night, according to reports. It’s unclear whether Ohtani will play for the franchise again.
Ohtani has been sidelined with a partially torn UCL in his right elbow for most of the season, but he was expected to return as the Angels’ designated hitter as early as Monday in Seattle. However, his locker was empty on Saturday, and the team has not yet commented on the matter.
Ohtani is set to become a free agent after the season, and he has been linked to several teams, including the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s possible that Ohtani is simply preparing for free agency by clearing out his locker, but it’s also possible that he has decided to not play for the Angels again this season.
The Angels have been one of the worst teams in baseball all season, and they are currently in last place in the American League West. Ohtani has expressed frustration with the team’s struggles in the past, and it’s possible that he has decided that he doesn’t want to play for a losing team anymore.
Whatever the reason for Ohtani’s decision, it’s a huge blow to the Angels. Ohtani is one of the most exciting players in all of baseball, and he is a major draw for fans. His departure would be a huge setback for the franchise.
Will Ohtani Pitch Again?
It’s unclear whether Ohtani will ever pitch again. He tore the UCL in his right arm in 2018 and underwent Tommy John surgery. He returned to pitch in 2020, but he has been limited to hitting this season due to his elbow injury.
Ohtani has said that he wants to continue pitching, but he will need to have surgery to repair the torn UCL. It’s unclear how long he would be out after surgery, and it’s also unclear whether he would be able to return to his previous level of performance.
Even if Ohtani is able to pitch again, it’s possible that he will choose to focus on hitting. He has become one of the best hitters in baseball, and he could earn a massive contract as a free agent if he decides to focus on hitting full-time.
Shohei Ohtani’s locker has been mostly cleared out at Angel Stadium, and the Los Angeles Angels declined to say why Friday night.
The two-way superstar missed his 11th consecutive game with an oblique muscle injury Friday night when the Angels lost 11–2 to the Detroit Tigers. Although Ohtani was at the stadium before the game, the soon-to-be free agent’s locker was largely empty afterward.
Nearly all the personal items had been removed from his locker and the adjoining empty stall. A fully packed bag with a logo from the 2023 All-Star Game sat in front of his stall where his shoes would normally be, and only a few workout shirts hung on the rack.
Nearly a half-hour after reporters were allowed into the locker room and noticed the absence of Ohtani’s possessions, an Angels spokesperson said the team will give more information about the development Saturday.
Clears out locker Ohtani (oblique) cleared out his locked in the Angels’ clubhouse Friday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
Impact The team did not provide an explanation following Friday’s game, saying that it would provide information regarding Ohtani’s status Saturday. Ohtani, who’s facing an elbow procedure in the off season, missed his 11th straight game Friday due to a right oblique injury. He worked out prior to the game in an effort to play, but after his locker was cleaned out, the presumption seems to be that he’s shutting it down for the season. Even if this is it for Ohtani, he’s arguably still the front runner for the AL MVP given his contributions on the mound and with the bat.
What’s Next for Ohtani?
Ohtani is set to become a free agent after the season, and he is expected to be one of the most sought-after players on the market. He has been linked to several teams, including the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Diego Padres.
It’s unclear where Ohtani will end up next season, but he is sure to get a lot of money. He is one of the most unique and talented players in baseball, and he is a surefire Hall of Farmer if he can stay healthy.
Ohtani’s decision on whether to pitch again and where to sign next season will be two of the biggest story lines in baseball this off season.