Can Shohei Ohtani still hit despite UCL injury?

Shohei Ohtani is likely living through his final days as a member of the Los Angeles Angels after failing to secure a trade away from the team at the recently ed deadline, however there are now question marks over his immediate future with the team.

Many expected the Japanese sensation to continue to play at an incredibly high two-way level until the end of the current season, yet injury has struck at the worst possible moment.

There are very few athletes who bring a crowd to stunned silence when they appear to have suffered an injury.

Ronaldo Nazario was one when he suffered a repeat ACL issue against Lazio two decades ago, and the same is true for LeBron James.

Ohtani is getting to that level. Him being healthy and available is good for the sport of baseball, but a torn UCL has likely brought to an end his pitching contribution for the season.

Normally, a player would be given the rest of the campaign to undergo surgery and recover. However, he is too important to the Angels. This is akin to Lionel Messi breaking a toe at the height of his Barcelona career.

Should he be rested? Yes, but can he be pushed through? Probably.

Shohei Ohtani will still bat despite injury

Alden Gonzalez of ESPN reported on Thursday that Ohtani will not surrender the season just yet, and that he will attempt to continue playing as a hitter until the end of the campaign.

Of course, it remains to be seen if this is possible as Tommy John surgery is likely required to rectify the UCL tear.

Interestingly, back in 2018 there was a similar injury suffered by Ohtani and he continued to hit for the remainder of that campaign before undergoing surgery in the offseason.

The initial plan is to try and repeat that this time around, however there could be a question as to whether Ohtani will opt to protect his own value ahead of becoming a free agent and take the surgery early.