Ohtani Needs Second Tommy John

[Dunk35]

Shohei has a UCL tear. Has already had 1 TJ surgery in 2019. To me, he is basically a DH now. What kind of contract do you give him?

[OsFanSinceThe80s]

Will Ohtani even continue to pitch in the future, he’s had arm problems his whole career. If Ohtani wants to rehab and pitch again a team will take a chance on him, but he’s getting way less money now. 

And it’s only a matter of time until he hurts his arm again with his injury history. 

[scarey1999]

This thread title is inaccurate. At least as of this moment.

It has not been determined if he needs TJS. The Angels said that imaging revealed a partial tear and it was unclear if surgery was required yet. 

[scarey1999]

If it does turn out he needs a 2nd TJS and for whatever reason he does not pitch again, I think he becomes an outfielder. With his speed and athleticism, he could easily handle any OF spot. If not OF, put him at first.

He won’t just be a DH only anymore if pitching is no longer in the equation. 

[O's84]

As a baseball fan this makes my heart break.  What he was doing was just so special and really unprecedented.  Now we have to wonder if he'll ever do it again.  Sure he can still hit at an elite level, but it just won't be the same.  This is a big loss for baseball.

Edited August 24, 2023 by O's84

[Malike]

9 minutes ago, O's84 said:

As a baseball fan this makes my heart break.  What he was doing was just so special and really unprecedented.  Now we have to wonder if he'll ever do it again.  Sure he can still hit at an elite level, but it just won't be the same.  This is a big loss for baseball.

He could probably be an elite closer and an MVP bat.

[Winter]

Hard situation for him, if the surgery is needed, not yet known, then imo he'd be best to do so ASAP even if he could bat the rest of the way, his team is done, Trout is going back on IL and he needs to do what is best for him as a FA. He would be able to bat for his team next year(example Harper) but likely not pitch until 2025. Unfortunate but his price will be a top discussion in the offseason hotstove even more now with the injury. -- Sucks to see a generational player that is so respected go down and like mentioned above he might be best suited in a bullpen slot after a 2nd surgery. 

[Billy F-Face3]

There was always this possibility in the back of any logical person's mind with how much strain and use Ohtani's body was going through by doing what he's been doing. There's a reason why 2 way players are virtually unheard of this day in age. He was one that broke the mold, but unfortunately, it seems that the wear has caught up to him.

It's sad to see.

But selfishly for the Orioles, it also helps out our early September schedule. The Angels are a much different team without their 2 MVP caliber superstars.

[Frobby]

Well, that decision by the Angels not to trade him but to acquire Giolito, Cron, Gruchuk and Leone in exchange for promising minor leaguers sure is looking brilliant.  Not to mention the decision to DFA Jacob Webb.  

I hope Ohtani won’t require surgery and this is more of a Masahiro Tanaka situation where rest and rehab can address it.  
 

[InsideCoroner]

What a blow for the game. That's certainly going to make some GMs think twice before writing him a blank check. Here's hoping it's nothing that derails his career, baseball needs more players like him. 

[Alasdaire]

I remember reading a piece awhile back that said Ohtani was being treated delicately when he first came over, ie skipping his spot in the rotation frequently and giving him days off as a batter. But it wasn't preventing injuries, so they decided to revert to the way he played in Japan, which was just going full tilt and then rehabbing as much as possible. Can't find the article now because there are so many search results for Ohtani. But it felt like a ticking time bomb to me.

Bryce Harper had TJ this past offseason and was back by opening day. I have no doubt Ohtani will take his recovery as seriously. I don't know what that means as a pitcher, but maybe the next chapter of his wonderful story is learning to play in the outfield. He has elite speed and obviously an elite arm, so he could become GG level there.

[Sports Guy]

4 hours ago, Malike said:

He could probably be an elite closer and an MVP bat.

I’m expecting this to be the outcome long term but I think he still starts for a few years. 

[SteveA]

And Mike Trout goes back on the IL two days after being activated from a long lasting injury.

Tough time to be an Angel fan.

[baltfan]

I wonder if that 9 inning start in Detroit and then playing in the second game contributed to this.  They didn't protect him very well.  

[LookinUp]

If he was in my team, he’d be a DH and closer. 

DeGrom would also close.