Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has UCL tear, won't pitch for rest of 2023 season

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for the remainder of the 2023 season after suffering a UCL tear in his elbow, general manager Perry Minasian announced following Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds.

Minasian said Ohtani had imaging done between games that revealed the tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.

Ohtani exited the first game of the doubleheader earlier Wednesday in the second inning in the middle of an at-bat with what the Angels termed then as "arm fatigue." Imaging revealed the UCL tear.

"Obviously disappointing news. I felt terrible for him, but ... it is what it is. If anyone can bounce back it's him," Minasian said.

FALLOUT: Ohtani's torn UCL creates a cloud over upcoming free agency

Ohtani, a pending free agent, also suffered a UCL injury in 2018 that required Tommy John surgery that limited him to just two starts until the 2021 season. He returned Wednesday to serve as the DH in the second game of the doubleheader and went 1-for-5. Minasian described his status moving forward as a hitter as "day-to-day."

"I don't know what to expect. We're going to go day-to-day and just see how it goes. See how he feels," Minasian said.

It's not immediately clear if Ohtani will need surgery to repair the tear. Regardless of how he goes about treatment, Ohtani's injury seemingly could impact the price tag for this offseason's No. 1 free agent.

The 2021 MVP appeared well on his way to winning the AL's top honors again, with a league-leading 44 homers — including one before his exit in Wednesday's opener — matched with a 3.14 ERA. Now, the Angels won't see Ohtani on the mound for the rest of the year — or perhaps ever again, should he walk in free agency.

To add further salt to the Angels' wounds, Minasian also revealed Wednesday night that three-time MVP Mike Trout will be going back on the IL.

The Angels, who went all-in at the trade deadline, are reeling. They've lost four in a row and are just 5-16 in August and now sit 10½ games back in the wild card chase. With Ohtani being shut down from pitching and his immediate status uncertain, their faint playoff hopes appear to be extinguished entirely.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani won't pitch for rest of 2023 season due to UCL tear