Shohei Ohtani Injury a Non-Issue for Halos

The baseball world was quick to call out the Angels on Tuesday when news broke that newly acquired phenom Shohei Ohtani had recent elbow procedures. However, they called the Halos out too quickly, as the Angels have nothing to worry about with Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani received platelet-rich plasma injection in his pitching elbow in October. This, coupled with the first-degree sprain of his UCL, caused panic across Halo nation. However, this is nothing to worry about for Halo fans.

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General manager Billy Eppler went on record saying there are”no signs of acute or new trauma in the elbow,” while also adding that Ohtani’s elbow health is on par to other pitchers his age. Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, called the procedure a “preventative measure”.

For Angels fans, starting pitching health can be a touchy subject. Every young starting pitcher has had some sort of health concerns over the past two seasons, and it seemed the curse had struck Ohtani. However, Ohtani will be able to continue full baseball activities while undergoing a program to take care of his elbow.

This news strengthens the reasoning for a six man rotation in 2018 (and possibly beyond). With Ohtani hitting on his off days, he will need the extra rest to be a consistent starting pitcher. The last thing the Halos and their fans want to see if Ohtani go under the knife. Eppler and manager Mike Scioscia will have to do whatever necessary to keep Ohtani healthy.

In terms of the Angels getting tricked into signing Ohtani, that is false. Every MLB team knew of this procedure when they pursued Ohtani. And yet, every MLB team still pursued Ohtani. Heavily. Eppler also went on record stating “We are pleased with the results of the physical and we are very happy to have the player.”

Next: Halos Should Use a Six Man Rotation

The Angels won out on the Ohtani sweepstakes. Even with this new development, they are huge winners. There is slight concern here, but it is nothing Eppler and the Halos didn’t know about. Taking the necessary precautions with Ohtani will be mandatory, but Halo nation should still be excited for their newest starting pitcher….and designated hitter.