The Los Angeles Angels had their worst-case scenario happen earlier this week when it was determined that Shohei Ohtani had torn his UCL in his right elbow. But after an admission from Angels GM Perry Minasian on Friday, fans believe that the organization had this situation coming to them.
Luckily the Angels avoided complete disaster with Ohtani, as he still will be able to hit for the remainder of the season despite his elbow injury. However, he will not be able to pitch for the remainder of the season, and could potentially have to undergo surgery to repair his torn UCL.
Ohtani is listed as the designated hitter in Friday’s game against the New York Mets, and it seems like he will likely be a permanent designated hitter for the remainder of the year.
Minasian spoke about Ohtani’s injury on Friday, where he revealed that the team did nothing to monitor Ohtani’s arm throughout the season despite complaints from Ohtani about arm fatigue and cramping throughout the year.
Of note: Angels GM Perry Minasian said that despite Ohtani suffering from cramping and arm fatigue that caused him to push back starts during this season, the team didn't do any related imaging on his arm until this past week.
— Laura Albanese (@AlbaneseLaura) August 25, 2023
It’s pretty inexcusable for an organization to not listen to some serious concerns from a player the caliber of Ohtani’s. And fans are irate at this statement from Minasian considering the serious injury Ohtani unfortunately suffered.
— Bryan Tweed (@BryanTweed16) August 25, 2023
PERRY THAT MAKES IT WORSE https://t.co/3JSOvI4Xag pic.twitter.com/rIcI011ljT
— Tom Hackimer (@HackAttackimer) August 25, 2023
you… didn’t do imaging on his arm despite numerous issues throughout the year? https://t.co/8wVPqep2CL pic.twitter.com/TYTue29Wd4
— Switch (@IISwitchII) August 25, 2023
This is unbelievable. Pro athletes need to have their own trusted primary care physicians. Team ran medical staffs have shown us this season that they can’t be relied on https://t.co/eal1UEmwnU
— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) August 25, 2023
I don’t think selling the Angels is enough at this point. The Department of Labor should open a criminal case into the Halos front office. https://t.co/izSs4bw0Un
— George (@Georgeadelphia) August 25, 2023
How do you not send him for precautionary testing after he has been pulled 3 or 4 times this year due to the same issue? Angels organization needs a complete overhaul. https://t.co/42SUDazFKA
— Gare (@GareMedia) August 25, 2023
It’s pretty shocking to hear this admission from the Angels front office, but it also makes complete sense considering how much of a dumpster fire the team has been this year.
Despite having two players that most would consider top-five players in the sport in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the team sits at just 61-67 on the year firmly outside of the playoff picture in the American League.
This admission should be further proof that Ohtani should sign elsewhere in free agency this coming offseason…
