Shohei Ohtani undergoes elbow surgery, expected to return to pitching in 2025

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani might be on his way to an MVP but his 2023 season is over. The Angeles announced Ohtani underwent surgery on Tuesday to fix an issue in his elbow. We have known surgery would occur, with Ohtani last playing in a baseball game on Sept. 3.

A statement from Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, was released following the procedure, explaining the thought process behind the surgery. Good news was delivered at the end, saying the soon-to-be free agent was in good spirits following the procedure.

“Shohei had his procedure this morning at Kerlan & Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles,” Balelo said. “The final decision and type of procedure was made with a heavy emphasis on the big picture. Shohei wanted to make sure the direction taken gave him every opportunity to hit and pitch for many years to come.

“Shohei is resting and in good spirits and excited to be on the road to recovery.”

Thankfully for baseball fans, Ohtani is going to be back by Opening Day 2024. However, he will only be in the batter’s box due to the surgery. Since Ohtani’s elbow was the issue, an extra year of recovery is going to be needed for the two-way star to get back to pitching.

“The ultimate plan after deliberation with Shohei, was to repair the issue at hand and to reinforce the healthy ligament in place while adding viable tissue for the longevity of the elbow,” Dr. Neal ElAttrache said. “I expect full recovery and he’ll be ready to hit without any restrictions come Opening Day of 2023 and do both (hit & pitch) come 20235.”

Shohei Ohtani to become free agent this winter

Most players undergoing surgery on the verge of free agency might be nervous about the market in the upcoming winter. Ohtani will not be one of those. Even this health concerns being a factor in the 2023 season, teams are still going to be lining up to sign someone many consider to be the best player in all of baseball.

The Angels will be keen on resigning him despite years of losing records during his time in Anaheim. Big payroll clubs such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets will be looking to make the biggest free agent splash of the offseason too.

Whoever winds up with Ohtani will not be getting a star pitcher for the 2024 season. The .304 hitter with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.066 in just 135 games played during this year will have to do. Dominate starting pitcher Ohtani can return in 2025.