PT TOMORROW: AL West—Whither Ohtani, the hitter?

Los Angeles Angels

Shohei Ohtani's (P/DH, LAA) loss (Grade 2 UCL sprain in his pitching elbow) raises a ton of questions, both short-term and long. This isn't the first elbow issue for Ohtani; he rehabbed a Grade 1 sprain last year via PCP injections. And despite more of these now and the Angels' insistence that they'll revisit in three weeks for a longer-term call, it's doubtful that Ohtani pitches again in 2018. A better bet is that he'll eventually undergo Tommy John surgery (TJS) for what is now a partially torn ligament—which would shelve him until at least late 2019, and more likely until 2020.

The bigger question now might be how much the injury impacts Ohtani's ability to hit—and whether LAA is willing to delay surgery until its...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

We take a look at the closer situation in Arizona and potential prospect call-ups in Colorado and San Francisco, among other veterans throughout the NL West.
Aug 1 2026 3:06am
Alex Lange's days as the KC closer might be numbered. Plus, a look at the catching situation in CHW, Logan Allen improving in CLE, two hot young hitters in DET, and possible bullpen changes in MIN.
Jul 30 2026 3:05am
LaMonte Wade Jr. is not swinging it well, and a change should be coming in Houston.
Jul 29 2026 3:07am
Connor Wong is one of several AL East catchers whose playing time outlook could be altered as teams seek upgrades at the trade deadline. Plus, a potential rotation upheaval in TOR, and Encarnacion-Strand emerging in BAL.
Jul 28 2026 3:05am

Tools