Ohtani was in the race for the AL MVP when he got injured
Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani underwent elbow surgery and the doctor who performed the procedure said he isn’t expected to hit again until 2024 and pitch again until 2025.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache operated on Ohtani. The specifics of the surgery were kept under wraps.
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Shohei Ohtani sits on the bench in the fourth inning during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 16, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (John McCoy/Getty Images)
"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," ElAttrache said in a statement through the Angels. "I expect full recovery and he'll be ready to hit without any restrictions come opening day of 2024 and do both (hit and pitch) come 2025."
Ohtani announced on his Instagram he had surgery as well and planed to root the team on from the sidelines as the team finishes out the rest of the season.
"I had a procedure done on my elbow earlier this morning and everything went very well. Thank you very much for everyone’s prayers and kind words," he wrote. "It was very unfortunate that I couldn’t finish out the year on the field, but I will be rooting on the boys until the end.
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks at a tablet while sitting in the dugout before their game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on September 01, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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"I will work as hard as I can and do my best to come back on the diamond stronger than ever."
Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, said that having the surgery was a big picture move. Ohtani is set to become a free agent later this year.
"The final decision and type of procedure was made with a heavy emphasis on the big picture," Balelo said in a statement through the Angels. "Shohei wanted to make sure the direction taken gave him every opportunity to hit and pitch for many years to come."
Ohtani was batting .304 with a 1.066 OPS, 44 home runs and 95 RBI in 135 games for the Angels before he was shut down.
He had a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts and a 1.061 WHIP in 23 appearances.
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels with batting gloves in his mouth walks back to the dugout at the end of the top of the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on September 03, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
He hadn’t pitched since Aug. 23.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
