Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch again for the Los Angeles Angels in the 2023 season after being diagnosed with a torn UCL in his pitching elbow, general manager Perry Minasian announced, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.

The club will also put Mike Trout back on the injured list, Minasian said following Wednesday night’s loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Trout returned to the lineup Tuesday after suffering a broken hamate bone in early July.

Ohtani abruptly left the mound after 26 pitches in the opening game of Wednesday’s doubleheader and was diagnosed with a UCL tear afterward. Despite the injury, he played designated hitter in the second game of the doubleheader, hitting a double and scoring a run. He is now considered day-to-day as a DH while the team seeks a second opinion.

 

“As far as plans and details, I don’t have those yet,” Minasian said, according to Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times. “Obviously he hit the second game. He’s played with this (before in 2018).

“But with that being said, we’ll take it day by day and see where it goes. So obviously disappointing news. I feel terrible for him. But it is what it is and I know if anybody can bounce back it’s him.”

Ohtani hadn’t pitched since Aug. 9 and skipped his last few starts due to cramping in his hand and arm fatigue. A number of his July outings were cut short due to cramping and fingernail issues.

The Angels don’t know whether Ohtani’s latest elbow issue will require surgery, Minasian added. The 29-year-old pending free agent previously underwent Tommy John surgery on his pitching arm in 2018. A second surgery would likely have a significant impact on the contract he receives in the offseason.

Trout returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing 38 games due to his hand injury. He went 1-for-4 and played his regular outfield spot in a 4-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The three-time MVP didn’t play in either game Wednesday and will not participate in any baseball activities for at least 10 days, according to The Associated Press’ Greg Beacham.

While Minasian said he hopes Trout can return this season, the Angels are now 10.5 games back of the final wild-card spot in the American League after being swept by the Reds.

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